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HISTORIC FORMER DUKEDOM
Historically a powerful duchy which extended across a large part of France and Switzerland, Burgundy is a beautiful region which has much to offer the visitor. Famous for its excellent wine and for its fine food, this is a land of gastronomic tradition.
During the Middle Ages, the kingdom of Burgundy rivalled the kingdom of France, its territory stretching to include parts of the Netherlands. It was to remain a powerful entity until the 15th century when the line died out and the duchy was absorbed into France, during the reign of Louis XI.
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
Dijon, the regional capital, is a thriving cultural city with a historic old town in which you’ll see traditional half-timbered houses and colourful tiled roofs. The famous Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy is the former residence of these powerful dukes who ruled the duchy of Burgundy from the 9th century. This impressive building dating in part from the 14th and 15th century now contains the city’s Fine Art Museum.
In the historic town of Beaune, the 15th century Hospices de Beaune with its unique polychrome tiled roof is a must-see monument of Burgundy. Every year this charitable institution hosts the largest wine auction in France.
The region boasts some stunning abbeys and churches. The imposing 10th century Romanesque Abbey of St Philibert in Tournus is the oldest fully preserved monastic complex in Europe, while the 12th century Abbey of Fontenay is one of the oldest and most complete Cistercian abbeys in Europe.
WINE AND FOOD
Burgundy is a name known all over the world its wine. Discover the vineyards yourself by following the wine route. The burgundy vineyards cover a swathe of hillsides running south from Dijon. Burgundy is famous for both red and white wines which are mainly made respectively from pinot noir and chardonnay grape varieties. Côte de Beaune is one of the most famous wine-producing areas within Burgundy, while in the south you will find the area which produces Beaujolais: a lighter red, which is drunk young. Every year in November there is a great festival celebrating the launch of the wine from the latest harvest, the Beaujolais Nouveau, on the market.
To accompany the wine there are plenty of delicious local specialities. Many well known typically French dishes originate from this region, such as the richly flavoured coq au vin and boeuf bourguinon, along with several excellent cheeses, including the potent Époisses de Bourgogne, which - according to legend - was one of Napoleon’s favourite cheeses.
NICEPHORE NIEPCE MUSEUM, CHALON-SUR-SAONE
Niépce, Burgundian inventor of photography.
It was back in 1861 that this collection was put together from images, personal objects and the world's first photographic cameras used from 1816 onwards by Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography and native of Chalon-sur-Saône. The widespread recognition among researchers and historians of the value of this collection led to the establishment of the Nicéphore Niépce Museum and its opening to the public in 1974.
From its inception the museum aimed to document the entire history of photography, its technical and artistic aspects as well as its popular and commercial usage. The photographic collection has come to be considered today as one of the foremost in Europe thanks to its wide-reaching and eclectic nature.
Opening hours at the museum may vary, contact the museum before your visit on +33 385 48 41 98 or by email
Admission prices : Free
Closed on 1 January, 13 April, 1 May, 8 May, 21 May, 14 July, 15 August, 1 November, 11 November and 25 December
Place :
Nicéphore Niépce Museum
28 quai des Messageries
71100 Chalon-Sur-Saone
Tel: 03 85 48 41 98
Getting There :
Châlon-sur-Saône train station (TGV, TER)
For more information :
Tourist Office
4, place du Port-Villiers
71100 CHALON-SUR-SAONE
+33 3 85 48 37 97
ABBEY OF SAINT-PHILIBERT, TOURNUS
The most beautiful Romanesque abbey in Burgundy
Overlooking the historic town of Tournus, the Abbey of Saint Philibert, dating in part from the 10th century, cuts a tall, elegant figure in pink and ochre stone, and is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque art. The abbey church, cloister, chapter house, refectory and the cellar together consitute the only fully preserved monastic complex in Europe dating from the 12th century and earlier. The Monks' Cellars, the Refectory and the Salle Capitulaire are arranged around the cloister.
The unique architecture of the nave gives the Abbey of Saint Philibert in Tournus a striking luminosity. You can also admire the crypt and the high chapel.
Opening hours :
From Friday 1 October 2010 : from 08:30 to 18:00
From Sunday 1 May 2011 : from 08:30 to 19:00
From Saturday 1 October 2011 : from 08:30 to 18:00
Admission prices : Free
Place :
Abbaye Saint-Philibert de Tournus
place de l'Abbaye
71700 Tournus
Getting There :
Tournus train station (TER)
For more informations :
Tourist Office
place Carnot
71700 TOURNUS
+33 385 27 00 20
PERRIN DE PUYCOUSIN MUSEUM OF BURGUNDIAN LIFE, DIJON
The cultural history of Burgundy
Located in the Bernardine Monastery, a superb 17th century Cistercian monastery, the Perrin de Puycousin Museum of Burgundian Life invites you to discover the rich architectural heritage of Dijon and the cultural heritage of Burgundy.
The museum extends over three floors.
The ground floor gallery presents the rural ethnographic heritage of Burgundy from the late 19th century, which is continued on the first floor with reconstructed shops and businesses, showing life in Dijon in the late 19th century.
On the second floor you will find an audiovisual room dedicated to forgotten skills and to the regional identity of Burgundy.
The Museum of Religious Art, under the green dome of the cupola presents works dating from the 12th to the 20th century which will bring to life the artistic history of Burgundy and the evolution of religious practices over the centuries.
Opening hours :
From Friday 1 October 2010 to Saturday 30 April 2011 : from Wednesday to Monday from 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
From Sunday 1 May to Friday 30 September 2011 : from Wednesday to Monday from 09:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 18:00
From Saturday 1 October 2011 to Monday 30 April 2012 :from Wednesday to Monday from 09:00 to 12:00 and to 14:00 to 18:00
Closed on 1 January, 1 May, 8 May, 14 July, 1 November, 11 November and 25 December
Admission prices : Free
Place :
Perrin de Puycousin museum of Burgundy life
17 rue Sainte-Anne
Monastère des Bernardines
21000 Dijon
+33 380 48 80 90
Getting There : Dijon train station (TER, TGV)
For more information :
Tourist Office
34, rue des Forges
21000 DIJON
03 80 44 11 44
THE IMAGINARIUM, NUIT-SAINT-GEORGES
The magic of bubbles
The 22 attractions and activities which make up the Imaginarium allow you to discover all sorts of wine-related information. You will learn about the birth of the bubbles in your glass, the methods used to make sparkling wines and you'll discover the various aromas of wine at the "Wall of Aromas".
Your visit will be followed by the screening of a film dedicated to Crémants de Bourgogne or the sparkling wines of Burgundy, in the amazing auditorium filled with lights, scents and bubbles!
The journey to the land of sparkling wines will finish with a tasting session led by Crémants de Bourgogne Louis Bouillot in the shop which offers a wide choice of Burgundy wines, both sparkling and still, accompanied by regional products and specialities.
More than a cultural visit, the Imaginarium is a fun and interactive place of discovery focused on the sparkling wines of Burgundy: dive into the magic of the bubbles!
Opening hours :
From Thursday 1 April to Friday 31 December 2010 : every day, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 19:00
From Friday 1 January 2010 to Saturday 31 December 2011 : every day, from 10:00 to 17:30
Closed on Monday mornings
Closed on 1 January and 25 December
Admission prices :
- Full price : 6.9 €
- From 10 to 17 years : 4.9 €
- From 6 to 10 years : Free
- Group rates (adults) : 6.2 €
Place :
L'Imaginarium
avenue du Jura
21700 Nuits-Saint-Georges
+33 380 62 61 40
Getting There : Nuits Saint Georges train station (TER)
For more information
Tourist Office
rue Sonoys
21700 NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES
+33 380 62 11 17
Website : www.imaginarium-bourgogne.com
FALLOT MUSTARD MAKERS, BEAUNE
From Tuesday, March 16 2010 to Tuesday, November 15 2011
A visit with plenty of spice!
The traditional, independent and family-run mustard making company Moutarderie Fallot, invites you to come and discover the mustard making process in their factory.
Located in a courtyard, just a stone's throw from the Hospices de Beaune, the Fallot business is the only remaining company to prepare mustard according to the age old recipes passed down through the generations, and to grind the mustard seeds with traditional millstones, ensuring the quality of flavour.
Tools and materials used in days gone by are preciously preserved and organised around the Napoleonic building which, with lights, sound and scents will plunge you into a timeless atmosphere.
A fun and interactive trail will lead you through the centuries, recalling the traditions and skills linked with the fabrication of mustard as well as its history, from fabrication to a tasting session...
Please arrive 10 minutes before the visit begins
Out of season you can visit by appointment only: call the Tourist Office in Beaune on +33 (0) 3 80 262 130 : Découverte ("Discovery") route (guided tour of 1h30) for 1 - 25 people, fee of 190€ for groups of up to 25 people, or Sensations fortes ("Strong Sensations") for groups of up to 50 people (not guided, you can explore with a magnetic card)
Opening hours :
From Wednesday 16 March to Monday 13 June 2011 : from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 10:15 and 11:30 to 11h45
From Wednesday 15 June to Monday 12 September 2011 : from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 10:15, 11:30 to 11:45
, 15:30 to 15:45, 17:00 to 17:15
From Monday 19 to Tuesday 20 September 2011 : saturday, Sunday from 10:00 to 10:15 and 11:30 to 11:45
On Monday 24 October 2011 : saturday from 10:00 to 10:15, 11:30 to 11:45, 15:30 to 15:45, 17:00 to 17:15
From Sunday 16 October to Friday 4 November 2011 :from Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 10:15, 11:30 to 11:45
, 15:30 to 15:45, 17:00 to 17:15
Admission prices :
- Full price : 10 €
- Children : 8 €
Place :
Moutarderie Fallot
31 rue Faubourg Bretonnière
21200 Beaune
+33 380 26 21 33
Getting There : Beaune train station (TER, TGV)
For more information :
Tourist Office
1, rue de l'Hôtel Dieu
21200 BEAUNE
03 80 26 21 30
www.fallot.com
CHABLIS SAINT-VINCENT, WINE WEEKEND
From Saturday, February 5 2011 to Sunday, February 6 2011
Celebrating the patron saint of wine-growing.
Calling all wine connoisseurs!
Every year, a village in the Chablis area is chosen as the venue for celebrations of the famous Saint-Vincent du Chablisien, or feast of Saint Vincent, patron saint of wine-growers. This year it is the village of Chablis itself which has been chosen for this honour and which will host the great public festival. As the largest village in the area of the same name and as the centre of wine production, Chablis is the ideal place to celebrate the feast of Saint Vincent.
Thousands of visitors are expected to come and celebrate the legendary Burgundy wines (cuvée St Vincent, Chablis, Chablis Premier Crus, Chablis Grands Crus…), with parades, street entertainments, enthronings, a great gastronomic banquet, a dance, religious services… and of course wine tastings!
Check the weekend programme on the official website
Banquet on the Saturday, entertainment on the Sunday
Place :
Chablis town centre
Place Lafayette
89800 Chablis
For more information :
In french: www.chablis2011.fr
Tourist Office
1, quai du Biez
89800 CHABLIS
+33 386 42 80 80
Getting there : Tonnerre train station (TER) 14km away or Auxerre train station (TER) 16km away, no buses on Sundays
ART DANSE BOURGOGNE 2011
23rd edition
From Saturday, January 22 2011 to Tuesday, February 1 2011
The art of contemporary dance in Burgundy.
Every year the dance centre Art Danse CDC Dijon Bourgogne organises the Art Danse festival. This event is dedicated to contemporary dance and takes place in Dijon in late January, over a ten day period. The festival is run in partnership with the Opera of Dijon the Théâtre Dijon Bourgogne / Centre Dramatique National and the Théâtre Mansart / Crous.
Art Danse allows choreographers, dancers, professionals and the public to meet each other. This festival is open to all and brings contemporary dance in all its diverse forms together with the aim of uniting audiences, from novices to the most discerning of dance enthusiasts. Each alternate year, Art Danse focuses on French dance, and the following year on international dance.
On the programme this year: Vanessa Larré, Emmanuelle Vo-Dinh, Cécile Loyer, Maguy Marin, Jean Gaudin, Radhouane El Meddeb, Catherine Diverres, Nathalie Collantes…
Check the full programme of the Art Dance festival
In several different venues in Dijon
Ticket prices vary according to the different shows.
Telephone for further information +33 380 73 97 27
Opening hours :
From Saturday 22 January to Tuesday 1 February 2011 :
- Saturday, Sunday doors open at 15:00
- From Monday to Friday doors open at 20:00
Admission prices :
- Full price : 30 €
- Reduced price : 5 €
Place :
Opéra de Dijon - Auditorium - Grand Théâtre
11 boulevard de Verdun
21000 Dijon
33 380 48 82 82
For more information :
In french: www.art-danse.com
Tourist Office
34, rue des Forges
21000 DIJON
+33 380 44 11 44
Getting there : Dijon train station (TER, TGV)
MYTHICAL PREHISTORY - EXHIBITION
From Saturday, March 6 2010 to Monday, January 31 2011
The real identity of prehistoric man.
In our collective memory, our caricature of the image of prehistoric man is a hairy, half-naked being armed with a club who is violent and agressive in order to survive in a hostile and dangerous world.
From hunting on the Solutré rock to lake-dwellings and cave-dwellings, via Gaulish dolmens, break free of the clichés imposed by modern society and see a vision of prehistoric man as he really existed.
At the heart of one of the richest collections of prehistoric finds in Europe, through the vast iconography and a multitude of objects (figurines, paintings, archeological objects and so on) you can build your own interpretation of prehistoric man.
Opening hours :
From Saturday 1 to Monday 31 January 2011 : every day, from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00
Closed in December
Closed on 1 January and 1 May
Admission prices :
- Full price : 3.5 €
- Reduced price : 2.5 €
- Up to 18 years : Free
Free entry for all on the first Sunday of the month
Place :
Museum of Prehistory in Solutré-Pouilly (Musée de la Préhistoire de Solutré-Pouilly)
Le bourg
71960 Solutre-Pouilly
+33 385 35 85 24
Getting There :
Mâcon-Loché station (TGV) 4.5km away, shuttle buses to the museum: call the Tourist Office in Mâcon on +33 (0) 3 85 21 07 07
For more information
Tourist Office
71960 SOLUTRE-POUILLY
03 85 38 09 99
MESSAGERIE - EXHIBITION
From Thursday, May 6 2010 to Monday, January 3 2011
The word and the image.
Heir to the modernist tradition of monochrome and the ready-made, as well as of conceptual art, Simon Morley has made writing the centre of his artistic approach and of a theoretical reflection both of which he began ten years ago.
Simon Morley's work, ever-focused on the interaction between writing and the image as evidenced by his book-paintings and his "labelpaintings", inspired respectively by book jackets and museum labels for works of art, as well as his interest in the history of art, attracted the attention of the Museum of Fine Arts in Dijon.
From this meeting an exhibition project was born, consisting of a contemporary depiction of pylactery motifs, the scrolls bearing divine messages which feature in religious paintings dating from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Opening hours :
From Thursday 6 May 2010 to Monday 3 January 2011 : from Wednesday to Monday from 09:30 to 18:00
Place :
Dijon Fine Arts Museum
cour de Bar
21000 Dijon
+33 380 74 52 09
Getting There :
Dijon train station (TER, TGV)
For more information :
www.simonmorley.com
Tourist Office
34, rue des Forges
21000 DIJON
+33 380 44 11 44
DAVID ASKEVOLD, EXHIBITION
From Friday, November 19 2010 to Monday, January 31 2011
The science of disorientation.
This retrospective at the Consortium in Dijon on David Askevold is an opportunity to discover or rediscover the richness of the work of this Canadian artist who died in 2008. Complex, multi-dimensional, often paradoxical, his works exploring the "science of disorientation" are as elusive as they are fascinating. For the first time, a retrospective exhibition presents the work of David Askevold in its diversity, exploring all techniques and forms that he has used over the past four decades.
Sometimes challenging, often unsettling, this exhibition is an invitation to discover the faults and dysfunctions of consciousness and mind. Thus, David Askevold plays with reflections and photographic overexposure, sound distortions, psychedelic installations or strange lexical combinations, offering a kind of "crazy approach to madness."
Opening hours :
From Friday 19 November 2010 to Monday 31 January 2011 :
- From Tuesday to Sunday from 14:00 to 18:00
- Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00
- Saturday from 14:00 to 18:00
Closed on 1 January and 25 December
Place :
Le Consortium
16 rue Quentin
21000 Dijon
Tel: +33 3 80 49 86 07
Getting There : Dijon train station (TER, TGV)
For more information :
Tourist Office
34, rue des Forges
21000 DIJON
+33 380 44 11 44
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