Burgundy

The vineyards on the hills as far as the eye can see, the Charolais cows peacefully grazing… Though close to Paris (two hours by TGV), Burgundy brings us the gentle feeling that comes from the essence of France. It is a region with a long and rich history that began in prehistoric times.

A bit of history…

This land was successively occupied by the Celts, the Gauls and the Romans. In the 5th century A.D., the Burgondes founded a kingdom that gave this region its name: Burgundia, then later Burgundy. The Cluny Abbey (10th century) and the Abbey of Citeaux (11th century), founded later in the region, were very important in European history during the Middle Ages. It was at the end of the 11th century that the Duchy of Burgundy was born. It became one of the most important economic and cultural centres of the era, rivalling the kingdom of France. At its height, the Duchy extended to what is today Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The Duchy was finally integrated into France in 1477.

A remarkable heritage

Dijon and its Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, Beaune and its Hôtel Dieu, Vézelay and its Saint Madeleine Basilica and Auxerre with its Saint Etienne Cathedral... Thanks to its rich history, Burgundy has a significant heritage: chateaux, Romanesque churches and abbeys to discover.

A celebrated gastronomic tradition

Burgundy offers a variety of interesting culinary discoveries. Regional specialties: escargots, Bresse poultry, Dijon mustard, Kir à la crème de cassis (Kir with blackcurrant liqueur), without forgetting traditional dishes such as Beef Burgundy, coq au vin, jambon persillé (strips of ham and chopped parsley in a gelatin) or œufs en meurette (eggs in red wine sauce). And of course, Burgundy wine!!

Wine, Burgundy's best ambassador

Who doesn’t know Burgundy wine, the king of wines? Burgundy vineyards, with their five major production regions (Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais) offer wines from prestigious, globally-known appellations such as Romanée Conti, Chambertin, Clos de Vougeout, Corton, Montrachet, etc. The tradition of meticulous, rigorous work is carried on by Burgundy wine makers, where the identity of the terroir is essential.