Burgundy considers itself the heart of France, a prosperous region with world-renowned wine, earthy but excellent cuisine and magnificent architecture.
Under the Duke of Valois, Burgundy was France's most powerful rival, with territory extending well beyond its present boundaries.
By the 16th century, however, the duchy was ruled by governors appointed by the French king, but it still managed to keep its privileges and traditions.
Burgundy, now as in the past, is a wealthy region, a centre of medieval religious faith which produced Romanesque masterpieces at Vézelay, Fontenay and Cluny.
Dijon is a spendid city, filled with the great palaces of the old Burgundian nobility and a collection of great paintings and sculptures in the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
It comprises four administrative departments:
- Saône-et-Loire (capital Macon - 71)
Nivère (capital Nevers - 58)
Cote d'Or (capital Dijon - 21)
Yonne (capital Auxerre - 89
The Burgundy region lies a couple of hundred miles
east and north of Bordeaux. It covers a large area,
the vineyards running in a long, thin line from Auxerre
in the north to Lyon in the south.
The climate sees much fine cold-weather in the winters, pleasant summer temperatures with spring
and summer showers helping to fatten up the grapes. The Saône-et-Loire departement stretches down towards the Mediterranean and experiences a milder climate.
You will encounter friendly, welcoming country people, where agriculture in its many facets is the primary occupation.
