Burgundy historical visitsBurgundy is rich in history and culture, already Dijon (Divio) was an important town to Gallic tribe of the Lingones. The Romans defeated Vercingetorix in 52 BC and the Siege of Alesia has since been an important lesson for ever French child's history. With the rise of the Cistercian influence and the reign of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy. As the region came out of the dark ages, in 910 Bernon founded the Benedictine abbey of Cluny, Burgundy became the centre of Europe. The spread of the Cistercian philosophy helped La Bourgogne grow in power and admiration. With the founding of the abbey of Citteaux in 1092, quickly (in a manner of speaking) other abbeys were built near by, such as the Abbey de la Bussièrre sur Ouche. The power of the Dukes began to rise in the 880 with Richard d'Autun, at the summit of their powers they reigned over what is now Auvergne, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Savoie. Rivals to the King of France, they almost conquered France. During the medieval years, the feudal system was strongly implanted in Burgundy, on almost ever hill tope there would be a castle ready to defend and hold position, Chateauneuf en Axois, is a fine example. Dijon
Dukes of BurgundyThe Dukes of Burgundy maintained an independence and troubled many a French king over the centuries. Today their once magnificant palace in the city centre of Dijon is now the City Hall and home to all official parades. There is also the Muse de Beaux Arts within the palace, which is reputed to be one of the finest modern art museums in France with drawings, paintings and sculptures.
Abbey de la Bussière sur Ouche
Used as hostelry during the Crusades, the knights travelling from the North of France and England would stay to rest whilst on their long journey. Beside the abbey there is a cemetary with tomb stones of WWII, where ANZAC pilots have been left to rest. The Abbey rose in strength and importance through the years, but with the French revolution, where it's lands were divided amongst the local people and the decline began. The monks were expelled and slowly the abbey fell into abandon. Home to a very impressive wine press with a diameter of 18 feet, the mammoth oak press is a witness to the dramatic changes in France's wine industry. Once almost every French person would produce his own wine, but would donate same of his grapes to the church. The abbeys where then able to accumulate weatlh buy stocking and selling their own wine, which was often of a much better quality. Hospices de Beaune
Chateauneuf en Auxois
Regular festivals of all kinds from music to medieval markets, the village is both curious and interesting. |
The
city of Dijon is home to three cathedrals and a hundred bells, the
market town offers some fine examples of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
A visit along the Rue de la Chouette and Notre Dame gives a fine insight
of the changes over the centuries. The Rue de la Liberté is
a shopping paradise with boutiques of all kinds from fashion to shoes
to perfumes. 
Perhaps not the largest abbey in Burgundy, but the history of 
Built
by Nicolas Rolin in 1443, this exceptional building in the heart of
the walled city of Beaune (once capital of Burgundy) was the hospital
for the poor. The Hospital Sisters continued to operate the establishment
for more than 600 years, offering care and healing to the local inhabitants.
Withstanding the plagues devastations of wars, the respect and admiration
of the Hospices, permitted it to accumulate donations of vine yards,
with many of the most prestigious names.