The one and Many Faces of Burgundy

ContentsDivine Burgundyp.4

Burgundy Todayp.6

Multiple Burgundyp.8

Burgundy for foodiesp.10

Burgundy’s wine listp.12

Burgundy countrysidep.14

Burgundy by waterp.16

Burgundy by bikep.18

Burgundy for everyonep.20

City lifep.22

A Night to Remember p.24

Useful informationp.26

Their names are Eva, Joon, Cécile, Arnaud, and they come from the USA, Germany, the Netherlands and Paris…

They have all chosen to visit Burgundy for a weekend, a short break or longer. They are fond of wine,

town atmosphere, old buildings or contemporary art. They are keen to meditate in a spiritual atmosphere;

to go on a cycling tour of Burgundy, to share a good bottle of wine with friends… What do they have in common?

They have all chosen to stay in a region of exceptional beauty situated in the heart of Europe. Come and share their

adventures before setting out in turn on an adventure of your own. Take your pick from the extraordinary array

of activities offered by the region. Like so many before you, you too will choose Burgundy.

Welcome!

“I dreamt of discovering spiritual Burgundy: Vézelay, Fontenay, Taizé, ….”Eva

Divine

The land of Burgundy gave birth to the two great monastic

movements that were to leave an imperishable mark on the religious

history of Europe: the Benedictine and the Cistercian Orders.

Fontenay Abbey, the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene in Vézelay

and the Abbey Church of La Charité-sur-Loire have all obtained the

UNESCO World Heritage accolade. The unforgettable circuit includes

the glory of Cluny, Cîteaux Abbey and those pretty Romanesque

churches spread throughout the countryside like the beads of a

rosary. In Dijon, the curious-minded will set out in search of the

“100 spires” which so amazed François Premier, king of France,

the gargoyles of Notre-Dame and the crypt of Saint-Bénigne.

At Nevers, you can contemplate the embalmed body of Bernadette

of Lourdes, laid to rest in a glass shrine, while young Christians from

every part of Europe come together at Taizé and Paray-le-Monial each

year. The treasures of religious history are displayed at the Sacred Art

Museums of Paray-le-Monial and Dijon.

Europe’s largest Buddhist community is to be found at La

Boulaye: the Temple of the Thousand Buddhas. As a way stage on

the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella, Burgundy has long been

an example of ecumenism, open-mindedness and tolerance.

5

10 am. Rising up in front of Eva, at the top of the “Eternal Hill”, the basilica of Vézelay attracts her like a lover.

This young 34-year-old native of Munich had long dreamt of discovering this gem of Romanesque architecture,

its capitals, tympaniums and matchless arches. After her visit, she intends to have lunch in one of the region’s

restaurants of repute nestling at the foot the “eternal hill” of Vézelay, before travelling on to Chablis for

a wine-tasting session or explore the mysterious and endless landscape of the Morvan stretched out in front of her.

Burgundy

“Burgundy and contemporary art go together naturally ”Franck

Burgundy

Today

For Burgundy, heritage protection bequeathed down

the centuries and the encouragement of contemporary creation

is not so much a contradiction as a challenge. The Consortium team

in Dijon is recognised throughout Europe for its ability to unearth new

talents; it has exhibited the works of César and Buren in its art centre

situated in the heart of town and a former factory in the suburbs.

The nearby Regional Contemporary Art Collection is one of the most

impressive in Europe. Our friends Lydie and Franck will also take

in the contemporary works of art on display at the Dijon University

campus as well as the famous Granville donation at the Dijon Fine

Arts Museum, and some of the many fine art galleries to be found

in town; And who knows? They might bump into the Dijon-based

Chinese artist Yan-Peï Ming as he leaves his studio…

They will meet up with emerging talents at such places

as Tanlay, Pougues-les-Eaux, the Nicéphore-Niepce Museum

of Chalon-sur-Saône and the Zervos Legacy at Vézelay.

At Noyers-sur-Serein, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain or Besanceuil,

they will chance upon a host of surprising and unexpected galleries

and exhibition areas. And they will make sure not to miss such

festivals as Why Note, Art Danse or the annual festival of film music

at Auxerre. They will head back to Paris fully convinced

that contemporary creation is alive and well in Burgundy.

7

11 am. Lydie and Franck, fine arts students from Paris, were keen to discover Burgundy from a different angle.

Their quest for contemporary artists takes them this morning to a Dijon art gallery. Alongside fashionable

restaurants and top festivals, they have pencilled in some of the finest exhibitions in France.

Multiple

“I dreamt of sampling a glass of white wine in the heart of the Burgundy vineyards.”Elisabeth

Burgundy

In every part of the world, the name of Burgundy is

synonymous with “wines of exception”. From Beaune to Chablis and

from Mâcon to Nuits-Saint-Georges, the vineyards of Burgundy are

at once an extraordinarily rich, complex, discreet and… overpowering

experience! There is nothing more rewarding than getting to know

these localities or terroirs and the people who work in them. With 102

appellations and 33 grands crus spread over a little area blessed

by the gods and producing barely 0.5% of the world’s wine output,

Burgundy is as unpretentious as it is famous. It is also incredibly

diverse. From one vineyard to another, one vintage to another, one

climat to another, the wines of Burgundy are so different from each

other! The reds, whites and rosés bring out all the qualities of the pinot

noir and chardonnay grape varieties, which flourish here as nowhere

else. And let’s not forget the Crémant de Bourgogne, the sparkling

wine which is so much at home here, especially in the Châtillon area.

In Burgundy, winegrowers and wine producers attach the

greatest importance to authenticity and excellence. Here, wine-tasting

is a unique and cherished experience. Will you prove equal to the

task of taming these extraordinary wines? Will you be able to identify

the aromas of the undergrowth, of hazelnut or red fruit, appreciate

the colour or robe of the wine to the full? Well, there’s only one way

to find out. You must cross the threshold, like Elisabeth and Kilian,

of one of our world-renowned vineyards!

9

Midday. Elisabeth and Kilian, a British couple in their ’fifties, are enjoying a glass of white wine and chatting with

the English-speaking winegrower who has invited them to his cellar. For these winelovers, Burgundy has always

been almost a myth. So this afternoon, after a walk through the vineyards and stopping off at the terrace of a café

in a wine village, they are going to learn the basics of wine-tasting in Beaune. Tomorrow they intend to broaden

their cultural knowledge by visiting a few remarkable towns.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health. Please consume moderately.

“In Burgundy, gastronomy is a question of tradition, good products, innovation and creativity.”Julien

Burgundy

11

for foodies

As our friends know full well, we take our food seriously here

in Burgundy and “good eating” is considered an art form. Indeed any

holiday in Burgundy is first of all an affair of flavour and taste.

Here’s a little riddle for you: what do Bresse chicken, Dijon mustard,

oeufs en meurette (eggs in red wine sauce), Charolais beef

and Epoisses cheese have in common? They are all gastronomic

specialities of Burgundy.

Take your pick: little local markets or the great covered market

in Dijon. Specialised laboratories where researchers work

on questions of nutrition and health; a private kitchen where a chef

reveals the tricks of his trade; a restaurant in the matchless setting

of a château or a former abbey; truffle hunting near Auxerre or picking

little red fruit in the uplands above Nuits-Saint-Georges. There are

so many different ways of exploring Burgundy’s gastronomic heritage

and enjoying a cuisine in turn traditional, innovative and creative.

One thing is for certain – here all tastes are catered for!

It is one o’clock in the afternoon. The maître d’hôtel approaches your table: boeuf

bourguignon, coq au vin, sandre (pikeperch) au vin blanc and pôchouse (fish stew)

are on the menu. Our four friends from Lyon and Strasbourg have chosen a few Burgundian

favourites for their gastronomic lunch in a traditional inn on the banks of the Saône.

This evening, they plan to dine in one of the region’s internationally renowned restaurants

but have yet to decide between Saulieu, Chagny, Joigny and Vézelay.

After such indulgence, tomorrow will be devoted to a cycling tour of Burgundy!

“In Burgundy, the landscapes, the atmosphere and the paths are as varied as the wines.What an abundance!”Kilian

Burgundy’s

13

wine list

The landscapes of the winegrowing areas are as varied as the

wines to which they give birth. Among the many “wine roads” running

through Burgundy: the Route des grands crus – the region’s own

Champs-Elysées stretching 80 kilometres from Dijon to Nolay with

such highlights as the Clos de Vougeot, Beaune and many an

authentic little wine village along the way; the Route des grands vins

de la Côte chalonnaise; the Route des vins du Mâconnais-Beaujolais;

the Route des vignobles de l’Yonne and the Route des coteaux

Pouilly-Sancerre. Further north, around Châtillon-sur-Seine, you enter

the kingdom of the famous Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wine.

Beginners will feel just as much at home as the confirmed wine

connoisseur, thanks to the special reception areas set up in such

places as Beaune, Romanèche-Thorins and Nuits-Saint-Georges,

where the very latest technologies will help you to understand the

intricacies of the world of wine. But most and best of all, winegrowers

in every village will be happy to open wide the doors to their cellars.

Here you will be introduced to the art of wine-tasting and share the

secrets of a very ancient culture. For an encounter with the wines of

Burgundy is first and foremost an encounter with the men and women

who toil ceaselessly to produce these great wines for your pleasure.

After lunch, our English friends Elisabeth and Kilian, disappear into the vineyards… or perhaps

breathe in the heady scent of grapes as they pass through each village at harvest time, or plunge

into the damp, welcoming coolness of a cellar and savour a glass of chardonnay accompanied

by a cheese puff pastry. These and many other unforgettable moments will be theirs in the course

of their wine itinerary. Whether you are travelling on foot, on bike or by car, the journey through

Burgundy is in itself a feast for the eyes and an enticing prelude to a visit to the wine cellar!

Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health. Please consume moderately.

“With its forests, lakes, rivers and footpaths, our stay in the Morvan has been unforgettable.”Joon et Anika

Burgundy

15

countryside

Burgundy is a veritable paradise for hikers, cyclists, fishing

and inland waterway enthusiasts. Joon and Anika have opted for

the Morvan Regional Nature Park, a protected granite massif where

they are free to pursue hiking, cycling, horse riding and rafting to their

heart’s content, but they could just as well have sought peace

and quiet in the Châtillonnais (with its characteristic washhouses

of yesteryear), the Puisaye (the country of the writer Colette and ochre

stone houses) or the Cluny area (forever associated with the poet

Lamartine). A word for cyclists: the region is liberally endowed with

voies vertes and voies bleues linking up and forming part of the main

European cycling circuits. And a word for waterway fans: 1200 km

of navigable waterways – canals and rivers – await your discovery!

And those of you dreaming of warm baths, hot springs

and massages can head for the health resorts of Bourbon-Lancy

and Saint-Honoré-les-Bains, or get away from it all in any number

of luxurious hotels and vineyard establishments.

It is 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Equipped with walking boots and backpack,

Joon and Anika have given themselves the day to walk round the Haut-Folin peak

(the highest point in Burgundy). It is part of a six-day holiday in the heart of the Morvan.

Pitching their tent on the banks of the Lac de Chamboux, they are looking forward

to a week in which to unwind, breathe in the pure air of forests, mountains,

lakes and rivers. Not forgetting charm and gastronomy!

“Quite honestly, Burgundy is a paradise for inland water enthusiasts!”Harry

Burgundy

17

by water

With 1200 km of navigable waters, Burgundy is a haven for

inland waterway tourists. Their “headquarters”: Saint-Jean-de-Losne,

France’s largest inland marina with room for 300 boats. Waterway

halts have been established at Tonnerre, Digoin, Verdun-sur-le-Doubs

and all along the Nivernais Canal. Here, tourists can make fast

and set off to explore the sights, enjoy a restaurant or explore a town.

The region has some 30 bases and almost 500 boats for hire

with room for 2 to 12 persons. You can also relax in the comfort

of hotel barges or cruise boats.

The Canal Centre (Halle du Toueur), designed by the architect

Shigeru Ban, and the canal tunnel await your visit at Cap Canal,

Pouilly-en-Auxois. And what could be more enjoyable than tying up

in the very heart of Dijon or Chalon-sur-Saône? Or perhaps rafting

down the Chalaux river or enjoying a pedalo outing on one

of the great lakes of the Morvan? Wherever you go, you are never

far from the water. Treat yourself to a relaxed, offbeat way

of discovering Burgundy!

It is three o’clock in the afternoon. Kendra and Harry are sunbathing on the deck

of their little rented houseboat. All of a sudden, as the boat emerges from the shade of a little wood,

our friends see the château of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois perched on a rocky spur high above them.

For this American couple, a boat cruise represents the best and most peaceful way

of discovering Burgundy, and indeed they will find that one memorable moment follows another

as they drift along the Burgundy Canal.

“We’ve cycled all over Europe and very few regions have such diversity to offer.”Marie

Burgundy

19

by bike

There are eight hundred kilometres of marked itineraries

reserved for cyclists in Burgundy. This ecological, sporting and fun

way to explore the varied landscapes of the region at one’s own pace

is now represented by a network called “Le tour de Bourgogne

à vélo®” (Burgundy by Bike). The network will take you through the

vineyards of the Côte-d’Or and Saône-et-Loire departments, from

Dijon to Saint-Gengoux-le-National by way of Nuits-Saint-Georges,

Beaune, Santenay, Givry and Buxy. Or alongside the Saône, from

Mâcon to Saint-Jean-de-Losne by way of Chalon-sur-Saône and

Verdun-sur-le-Doubs. Or again it will take the old towpaths to follow

the Burgundy Canal, the Canal du Centre or the Nivernais Canal.

A surprise awaits you at almost every mile along the way: a château,

a chapel, a country inn, the guarantee of a close-up view of a wild

animal, and of course any number of gîtes and places to break

your journey.

Visitors to Dijon will be able to explore the town’s historical

centre by bike thanks to the new self-service rental system.

And if you venture further afield, you can always travel back to town

by train or bus with your bike safely on board. Like other great

European regions, Burgundy has wholeheartedly adopted sustainable

development – tourism on a bicycle!

At the same time on the same day, while Joon and Anika set out to conquer

the Haut-Folin, their French friends Olivier and Marie prefer to explore the countryside by bike.

Today, they are cycling from Chalon-sur-Saône to Cluny along the very first voie verte

or Green Way created in France.

“The children are on holiday too! We really feel we’re in a region open to all.”Laurence

Burgundy

21

for everyone

An environment-friendly “sun festival” at the Lac des Settons,

an array of traditional and natural products, from Morvan honey to the

famous Flavigny aniseed balls. Sustainable tourism means protecting

the planet. Burgundy’s respect for the environment is apparent at

every turning: footpaths specially adapted for the disabled in the

Auxois… Amusement parks built on a human scale for families at

Arnay-sous-Vitteaux, Le Creusot... Holiday centres in the Morvan...

In Burgundy, our philosophy is to create a tourist industry which

is at once open, generous and tolerant, where all are welcome and

no-one is excluded. For a tourism where some are excluded cannot

be sustainable. Under the aegis of the Regional Union of Tourist

Associations, “tourism for everyone” has become the watchword,

with farms, châteaux and holiday centres welcoming children with

open arms. Surprises include a castle being built in the middle

of the Puisaye close to a forest where stags gambol at will, museums

open free of charge throughout the year in Dijon, treetop adventures

or swimming in the wilds. Families are welcome, the choice is wide

and the many attractions of Burgundy are accessible to all

and sundry. Welcome to Burgundy to all of you!

4 pm. Elléa was soon fast asleep in the car hugging the teddy bear brought back

as a souvenir of Touroparc in her arms. Touroparc at Romanèche-Thorins,

is a wildlife park specially chosen by her parents, Laurence and Patrice.

In all parts of Burgundy, this little family will find places ideal for children and adults alike.

Warm and welcoming sites in a warm and welcoming region!

“A holiday isn’t a holiday without shopping, entertainment and fashionable restaurants.”Sonia and Cécile

City

23

Life

Dijon, the regional capital, which has preserved intact one

of the largest protected areas in France; Beaune, capital of Burgundy

wine; Chalon-sur-Saône, image and photography capital; Mâcon,

capital of Southern Burgundy; Le Creusot, industrial capital; Auxerre,

capital of Northern Burgundy; Nevers, capital on the banks of the

Loire. In all, Burgundy boasts no fewer than six Towns of Historical

and Artistic Interest: Autun, Auxerre, Chalon-sur-Saône, Dijon, Joigny

and Nevers; exceptional monuments such as Sens Cathedral,

the Hospices de Beaune, the UNESCO World Heritage listed abbey

church of La Charité-sur-Loire, the basilica of Paray-le-Monial.

Each town has its distinctive personality but all have succeeded

in remaining on a “human scale”.

Exploring a town means steeping oneself in a particular

atmosphere, coming across surprising and unexpected boutiques,

attractive terraces and bustling markets, or enjoying the festive

and relaxed ambience of a summer’s evening. It is also a cultural

experience. Who could resist a performance at the Dijon Opera

House or the Arc National Culture Centre of Le Creusot? And who

could turn down the chance to visit the Nicéphore Niepce Museum

in Chalon-sur-Saône, the Septennat Museum at Château-Chinon

or one of the seven museums in Dijon? Not to mention the region’s

finest festivals: Baroque Music (Beaune), Street Arts

(Chalon-sur-Saône), Blues (Le Creusot), Film Music (Auxerre),

Adventure Film (Dijon), among many others.

6 pm. Sonia and Cécile are feeling worn out. Scarcely surprising when you have spent the afternoon

sightseeing, shopping and strolling through the centre of Dijon! This evening, they plan to see a show

at the Auditorium and then bring the day to a close with a drink at one of the town’s fashionable cafés.

“We were looking for a romantic spot and we found ithere in Burgundy, well away from the crowds.”Arnaud

A Night

25

to Remember

A room in an authentic farmhouse? A luxury hotel complete

with spa and all the trimmings? A floating gîte at Saint-Firmin (unique

in France)? There are any number of accommodation possibilities

in Burgundy. The options range from eminently affordable lakeside

campsites in the Morvan to luxury four-star establishments in Dijon,

Saulieu, Chagny or Vézelay. There is something for all budgets

in a region renowned for its hospitality and its inimitable art de vivre.

Looking for something offbeat? How about a night in a yurt (a circular,

domed, portable tent) at Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche, in a Scandinavian

chalet at Saint-Agnan, in a “design” bedroom amidst the vineyards

at Puligny-Montrachet, in a horse-drawn caravan at Gimouille,

in a tree-top hut in the south of the Saône-et-Loire department,

or in a luxuriously appointed room in the former abbey

of La Bussière-sur-Ouche?

Night falls. Tomorrow will bring another day of discovery and

pleasure in Burgundy. Before long it will be time to start the journey

home by car, by TGV or by plane. But of one thing you may be sure:

Eva, Joon, Cécile, Arnaud and the others will be back again soon!

6.30 pm. Célia and Arnaud arrive at the charming hotel they have selected.

A romantic room and a terrace with views over the undulating countryside.

A little later on, they will admire the sunset. Our young married couple

could also have chosen to stay in a converted Bed & Breakfast

in an old mill, a treetop house...

Publisher: Bourgogne Tourisme - Editorial Director: Didier MARTIN - Creation/Design: tempsRéel and Cap Horn (Dijon, 21) - Editorial Office: Patrice BOUILLOT - Photographic Credits: Alain DOIRE (Bourgogne Tourisme – Dijon, 21) Printed by DESMET-LAIRE SA (Mont-de-l’Enclus, Belgique) - ISSN: pending – October 2008 - Maps produced by ACTUAL (St-Julien-les-Villas, 10) – Tél. + 33 (0)3 25 71 20 20 – www.actual.tm.fr - Reproduction forbidden. Authorisation No. 51-21/JMP/03-08, 52-21/JMP/03-08, 53-21/JMP/03-08 and 54-21/JMP/03-08

Bourgogne Tourisme

Comité Régional du Tourisme de Bourgogne

BP 20623 - F 21006 DIJON cedex

tél. +33 (0)3 80 28 02 80 - fax +33 (0)3 80 28 03 00

documentation@crt-bourgogne.fr

www.bourgogne-tourisme.com - www.vite-en-bourgogne.com

Côte-d’Or Tourisme

Agence de Développement Touristique de la Côte-d’Or

BP 1601 - F 21035 DIJON cedex

tél. +33 (0)3 80 63 69 49 - fax +33 (0)3 80 49 90 97

documentation@cotedor-tourisme.com

www.cotedor-tourisme.com

Agence de Développement Touristique de la Nièvre

2, avenue Saint-Just - BP 10318 - F 58003 NEVERS cedex

tél. +33 (0)3 86 36 39 80 - fax +33 (0)3 86 36 36 63

doc@nievre-tourisme.com - www.nievre-tourisme.com

Comité Départemental du Tourisme de Saône-et-Loire

389, avenue Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny - F 71000 MÂCON

tél. +33 (0)3 85 21 02 20 - fax +33 (0)3 85 38 94 36

info@bourgognedusud.com

www.bourgogne-du-sud.com

Yonne Tourisme

Agence de Développement Touristique de l’Yonne

1-2, quai de la République - F 89000 AUXERRE

tél. +33 (0)3 86 72 92 00 - fax +33(0)3 86 72 92 09

adt89@tourisme-yonne.com - www.tourisme-yonne.com

Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan

Office de Tourisme de la Maison du Parc

Espace Saint-Brisson - F 58230 SAINT-BRISSON

tél. fax +33 (0)3 86 78 79 57

contact@parcdumorvan.org

www.parcdumorvan.org - www.patrimoinedumorvan.org

Useful information

27

Getting to Burgundy by car

by air

Burgundy is connected with French and European cities by a dense motorway network. International connectionsThere are TGV connections to Burgundy from: Geneva (Mâcon-Loché, 1hr 50 min),Lausanne (Dijon, 2 hrs), Zurich (Dijon, 4 hrs 15 min), London via Lille (Dijon, 5 hrs 30 min)and Brussels via Lille (Dijon, 4hrs).

National connectionsThere are TGV connections to Burgundy from the following major towns:- Paris (Gare de Lyon): Dijon (1 hr 40 min), Beaune (2 hrs 10 min),

Chalon-sur-Saône (2 hrs 30 min), Le Creusot-Montceau-Montchanin (1 hr 30 min),Mâcon-Loché (1 hr 40 min)

- Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport: Dijon (1 hr 55 min)- Lyon (La Part-Dieu): Le Creusot-Montceau-Montchanin (50 min), Dijon (1 hr 45 min)- Lille: Dijon (2 hr 50 min)- Marseille and Nice: Dijon (5 hrs 40 min and 6 hrs) serving Mâcon (2 hrs 10 min)

and Chalon-sur-Saône (2 hrs 50 min) Information: www.voyages-sncf.com

Intraregional connectionsThe TER (Regional Express Transport) network provides rail transport inside Burgundy and links up with neighbouring regions.Information: www.ter-sncf.com/Bourgogne

Dijon-Bourgogne Airport6 km South-East of Dijon.Information: BP 25 – F-21601 LONGVIC Cedextél. +33 (0)3 80 67 67 67 – fax +33 (0)3 80 63 02 99aeroport@dijon.cci.fr – www.dijon-aeroport.fr

Nearest airportsParis Charles de Gaulle (direct TGV connectionbetween Dijon and Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport),Paris Orly, Lyon Saint-Exupéry, Bâle-Mulhouse and Genève Cointrin.

by rail

www.bourgogne-tourisme.com