Culture and relaxation in Burgundy

Brocantes

 

Throughout the year there are flea markets which are mainly during the weekends. At the reception of the camping there are several folders and pamphlets on locations you can visit. You can also get information from the web site of Brocabrac.

Caves

In the caves of Azé many fossilised skeletons of bears and lions can be found. There has even been remains found of the first primitive humans that made use of the caves and the underground rivers 350,000 years ago.

Markets

Weekly:

 

*) Always during the mornings, except when specified otherwise

Monthly:

*) Always during the mornings, except when specified otherwise

Castles

Burgundy has a vast and rich history and has been, until the day of today, one of the most famous regions of France. This is not only because of the excellent wine or relaxed lifestyle! Dating back to the earliest prehistoric times, each era contributed to a rich and varied cultural heritage. In this region you will find prehistoric caves, Gallo-roman fortresses, Romanesque churches and abbeys, medieval castles and museums with artefacts from differnt periods. Below you will find a selection we have made for you of the most special castles. On the website of Route des Ducs you will also find an excellent overview of castles.

Bazoches

Bazoches is situated on the slope of a wooded hill on the site of a former Roman settlement from where Vezelay can also be seen. The castle of Bazoches was built during the twelfth century and consists of a courtyard surrounded by four towers. It is open daily from 24 March to 11 November. Please check their website for more opening times.

Bussett

To the south of the camping in the Allier region, you will find the castle of Busset. The construction styles of the castle dates from the Middle Ages as well as the Renaissance period. It is one of the most majestic castles of the Auvergne region.

Château De Bourbon L’Archambault

This ruin is one of the largest in France and is the pride of the family of the Dukes of Bourbon – the French royal family. As with most old castles, its initial purpose was intended for military defences. After the 16th century, however, it was  abandoned and fell to ruin. During the 19th century, a regional poet called Achille L’Allier attempted to rescue and restore the three northern towers but ultimately failed.

Château De La Rochepot

The castle of Rochepot is located in the vicinity of Beaune in the Cote d’Or region. It is particularly known for great wines, architecture and tourism.

Chatellux

It is very uncommon that a castle remains in the possession of one family for more than a thousand years. Such a castle can be found in the heart of the Morvan region and is owned and still occupied by the De Chastellux family. If you are interested in exploring French history, then be sure to admire this castle.

Cormatin

This is one castle that you absolutely must see. Here you will be able to experience the original grandeur and luxury of the olden days. Louis XIII also ensured that this castle had a very unique atmosphere. The apartments dating back to the start of the 17th century all have beautifully painted ceilings and woodwork that has been decorated with gold leaf. Also don’t forget to visit the garden!

Fargean

The castle of Saint-Fargean is one of the liveliest castles of Burgundy. You can visit all the halls in the castle and there is even a farmhouse museum. This castle is also an interesting  attraction for children. Throughout the summer on Friday and Saturday evenings, there is a spectacle/show that tells the history of the castle and the surrounding countryside.

Guédelon

Yet another unique event: The castle of Guédelon is currently under construction. What makes the construction unique is that they are using the same building techniques which were used during the Middle Ages. You therefore have the opportunity to see the crafts and skills which were used during those periods. The site has been open since 2011 and is still under construction. See their website for opening hours.

Motte Josserand

Castle Motte Josserand (near Perroy) is one of the best military constructions of the Middle Ages in Nivernais. It was built during the 13th century and modified in the 15th century. It is built on a rock formation in the middle of a basin of the Nohain valley. The water and the marshes then also provide a natural barrier. This is a historic dream castle for children to see.

Cities & Towns

Autun

The Roman emperor Augustus gave the Gallic Eduërs a new capital city which was entirely built to Roman standards. The beautifully preserved fence with two gates is unique for its kind in France and can still be visited today. More Roman influences are to be found in the Augustodunum. This Roman theater even hosts competitions that you can attend! The Musee Rolin complements the Roman theme where many other historical finds can be viewed.

Auxerre

Auxerre is the modest capital of the Yonne region. It is a fine town with good restaurants, interesting museums and an old city center with a wonderful bell tower and impressive half-timbered houses. Also do not forget that the Auxerre Football Club has been at the top of the French Football League for more than 30 years!

Beaune

Beaune is the most well-known city of Burgundy, most like due to it being so picturesque. The Hôtel-Dieu or Hospice is undoubtedly the biggest tourist attraction of the region. It is a striking example of flamboyant Flemish styling which is topped with a beautiful and colourful roof. It is this that makes Beaune to be the symbol of Burgundy. In addition to the exterior, the interior and excellently refurbished rooms make the visit well worth it, including the polyptych (painting across different panels) of “The Last Judgment” of Rogier Van der Weyden. You should also visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral with its large collection of carpets that depicts the life of the H. Virgin proposals (16the century, Tournai).

In addition to its history and culture,  Beaune also has many wineries. These are primarily situated in the city center and easily accessible on foot. For this you do not need to use your car! In most cases, individual tastings (dégustaties) are free but does not apply for groups though. If you are a wine specialist, you must try to visit the small museum that is housed in the “Ancien hotel des Ducs de Bourgogne”. For the wine lover we recommend the “Marche aux Vins”. It is located just around the corner from the Hospice. Its inside also hosts a facade of the Marche. For €10 you can taste up to 18 different wines over 1 hour in a decor that is very unique and memorable!

Bibracte 

In the area there is a Gallic capital that belonged to the once most powerful people of Gaul, the Aedui, who lived there during in the 1st and 2nd century BC. Even Julius Caesar once governed this city. A visit to Bibracte is therefore more than worth the effort. The city is on the Mont Beuvray and approximately 821m above sea level. The area is located within a beautiful and protected forest consisting of 1000ha and is ideal for walks & hikes. There are also many Gallo-Roman remains which you can see at the archaeological center and the museum for Celtic Civilisation (guided tours).

Bourbon-Lancy

This is a pretty and picturesque town with thermal baths and saunas. They also have a planetarium.

Château-Chinon

Chateau-Chinon is the birthplace of François Mittérand. In the Musee du Septennat Mittérand you can see the gifts which were received during his presidency of France. This museum is one that specialises in clothing costumes dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th century.

Clamecy

Clamecy is built on the rock foundations where the rivers the Yonne and Beuvron join. It has an historic center and a rich history – especially that of the houtvlotters/rafters and some illustrious personalities – which make this town even more interesting. If you happen to be here on the 14th July, you must go and see the Joutes Nautiques (water games)  which is a longstanding tradition of the houtvlotters/rafters and a real feast!

Decize

Decize’s location was a result of its strategic importance and has been inhabited since its existance. In the upper parts of the city neolithic lighter flints have even been found. The earliest reference of Decize is in the seventh book of Caesar’s Gallic wars. Many of the buildings and relics dating from this period as well as the late Middle Ages have been preserved.

Luzy

Luzy is an old town and many of its traits can be attributed to the Middle Ages. During this period the city was the seat of a strong barony and throughout the 13th century it was a bustling market town. In the 15th century a wall was built around the city to protect it as well as being brought under the protection of the drivers of Moulins. It is said that Saint Germain – the bishop of Paris – spent his youth in Luzy.

Moulins

On the banks of the Allier river amidst a green landscape of hills and forests, the town of Moulins was build. Here you will primarily find remnants and relics dating from the 15th century – a time of wealth when Moulins was the capital of the Dukes of Bourbon. A few masterpieces are preserved such as the famous triptych “Madonna in Glory” by the Master of Moulins (painted around 1498 by an unknown author and preserved in the cathedral of Notre Dame). The oldest monument in the city is called the “Malcoiffée” was has its nickname attributed to the shape of the roof. Another building that the worth of the visit is the belfort Jacquemart. In addition to the cultural attractions in this city you can also enjoy shopping in the many nice, small streets.

Nevers

The third most important city in Burgundy is Nevers. Start your walk at the cathedral in the city center. This is a gothic building with a second choir in the crypt. From here, you continue to the ducal palace with its beautiful facade. In the basement you will also find the Choral Societies Museum of Nevers.

Nevers is also famous for its pottery. The first factory was started here. This art originated in Italy where it was brought over by the Conrade family. Their pottery was characterised by the use of blue colours and this style flourished from 1620 to 1730. The Frederic Blandin Museum outlines the history of pottery/china in Nevers.

Another curiosity is located in the monastery of St Gildard of the Sisters of Nevers. The Saint Bernadette Soubirous experienced several apparitions during her time in Lourdes after which she secluded herself  in Nevers to fully devote herself to care for the ill. She died at a young age and decades later when her body was dug up, it was still largely intact. Today her remains are displayed in a glass box.

Saint Brisson

The town of Saint Brisson is the beating heart of the Morvan nature reserve. In this village you will find the Maison du Parc. This is a beautiful and large park with many surprising paths and where you can find all manner of information on the Morvan.

Saint Honoré-les-Bains

Treat yourself to a wellness treatment in a thermal bath or if you have a more adventurous nature, try your hand and your luck at the casino.

Vézelay

The heyday of Vézelay took place from the 10th to the 13th century. The hill of Vézelay was known as a shrine for many and the start of a crusade or pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. During this time some very unique buildings were erected, one of which was the basilica of La Madeleine that is now UNESCO protected. The church also houses relics of Mary Magdalene, which have been authenticated by the pope in the 11th century. This led to even more pilgrimages to the city and even more prosperity. The church was unfortunately destroyed by a fire and the current Romanesque art was added in the 12th century. Here, you can still admire one of the most beautiful stone ensemble from the Romanesque period. More art can be found in the Musée de l’Oeuvre de la Basilique where a once forgotten sculpture can be seen as well as a restoration which took place under Viollet-le-Duc.

Temple

This is the very impressive Temple of a Thousand Buddhas, built on the model of the first temple in Tibet.

Gardens

In Vernais you will find a beautiful garden that stretches out to 1000m2 with a large Oak tree that is more than 450 years old. It also hosts a fragrance garden and a separate orchid garden with guided tours.

Gilles de Brissac

In 1976, Gilles the Brissac – inspired by English, Chinese and Japanese gardens – created this beautiful garden. It also has a waterfall for which 650 tonnes of rock was used to construct.

Wellness

You are welcomed to Burgundy and its two spas: Saint-Honoré -les-Bains in the Nièvre and Bourbon-Lancy in the Saône-et-Loire where you can completely relax and come to rest.

Spa Saint-Honoré -les-Bains offers various thermal treatment packages under medical supervision.

Spa Bourbon-Lancy sets itself apart with its new wellness complex: ‘Celtô, for her and him … ‘. Their slogan reads: Celtô is aimed at women and men who take time for themselves. Everything here revolves around cosiness, relaxation and tranquillity.

Wine

Burgundy is one of the largest wine-growing regions of France. White wines are mostly made from the Chardonnay grape and the Aligoté. The red wines are produced from the Pinot Noir and Gamay grape (mainly for the Beaujolais). The wine region of Burgundy is divided into five districts: From north to south you have the Chablis, the Cote d’Or, the Chalonnais, the Mâcconais and finally the Beaujolais district.

You can go on wine exploration by car or on foot, either in Auxerre or in Beaune. The local tourist office has several wine routes mapped out for you. The walking trails in this wine-growing region is also known as the “Randonnées the Vignoble”. You will be amazed by the scenic views of the beautiful vineyards of the Burgundy region.

On the camping you can purchase lovely Burgundy wines (red, white, rose, champagne, or sparkling wines) from our supplier in Macon at great prices.

Beaune

This is the capital of all wines in the Burgundy region. Beaune is located in the heart of the ‘route des Grands Crus”.  At Beaune you will find 1001 ways to become better acquainted with wine.

Château de Meursault

In Chateau de Meursault you can visit a wine cellar boasting several 12th century vaults and 2 km long underground tunnels.

Château de Pierreclos

The castle of Pierreclos still has the typical multicoloured Burgundian roof. The attractions worth visiting is the wine museum and the extensive wine cellars.

Tannay

Tannay is situated on a hill overlooking the Yonne valley where you can visit the vineyards and taste their wine. The Tannay wine is usually a white wine, made from Melon and Chardonnay grapes. Definitely worth a visit is ‘Les Coteaux de Tannay’ – the wine growers cooperative of the Tannay region. Tastings are possible in the 16th-century cellars. With lots of enthusiasm your hosts will tell you all about their wine. You can also purchase your wines there.

Tannay is also one of the resting spots on the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Vézelay route where pilgrims can find lodging and restaurants or pause for a breather.