Burgundy is an area of gently rolling hills on the eastern periphery of the Massif Central. It is here that the central plateau meets with the gentle slopes of the Jura. The fertile soil of the valley in between has been planted with vines since the Romans' conquest. Many of the names wine drinkers associate with France come from Burgundy. - Chablis, Beaujolais, Macon, Cote de Beaune, Cote d'Or and here are the famous wine centers of Dijon, Beaune, Macon and the Cote-d'Or. The northern portions, known as Lower Burgundy, produce little wine but have ornate Renaissance chateaux, spectacular monastic architecture and charming medieval towns.

Dijon, former capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, is a town steeped in history with a rich architectural legacy. Lying at the gates of the famous vineyards of the 'Cote de Nuits', Dijon is one of the glories of the French gastronomic tradition, known throughout the world for its mustard, blackcurrant liqueur, gingerbread, etc.

Not to be missed:

* Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
* The Musee des Beaux Arts, housed in the Palace, contains the city's great art treasures
* The impressive Guards Room contains the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy
* The bookshop is in the room that was once the palace kitchens
* Philippe Le Bon Tower. There is a magnificent view of Dijon from the top, but there is a climb of 315-steps up a winding staircase
* Rue Verrerie - a cobbled street lined with medieval half-timbered houses (and antique shops)
* Rue des Forges and its town houses
* Notre-Dame church with its famous Jacquemart clock that strikes the hours and below it, three tiers of terrifying and enormous gargoyles, rue de la Chouette (Owl) and Hotel de Vogue
* Saint-Benigne cathedral and its llth century crypt
* The former Palais de Justice (Law Courts)
* Shops selling traditional produce (mustard, crème de cassis liqueur and gingerbread)

Beaune is the logical place to stay during your wine pilgrimage to the Cote d'Or and is actually the most visited city in Burgundy. It contains the headquarters of many well-respected Burgundy wine dealers in addition to grand historic sites that are worth seeing and gourmet food and restaurants. Hotel-Dieu is the treasure of Beaune, a 'medieval jewel', with its superb multi-colored Burgundian roof tiles. It was originally a hospice founded by the chancellor, Nicolas Rolin, and his wife in 1443 to help the inhabitants of Beaune who were suffering the effects of poverty and famine after the Hundred Years' War. It now also houses the Museum of Wine of Burgundy (Musee du Vin de Bourgogne).

South of the Cote d'Or come the lesser-known Cote Chalonnaise and the Macon regions. Macon vineyards use Chardonnay grapes and you will probably find as good wines as those on the Cote d'Or at a fraction of the price.

In the 10th Century the most influential centers of monastic reform throughout Christian Europe, Cluny and Cîteaux, were located in Burgundy. Cluny abbey, not far from Mâcon, was founded in 910. In the following century Vézelay in northern Burgundy became a major meeting point for leaders of the most important movements of the time, especially the crusades and was the official starting point of one of the four routes of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella.

Abbey at Fontenay
Abbey at Fontenay - this magnificent Cistercian abbey together with the village it is in is classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. "This stark Burgundian monastery was founded by St Bernard in 1119. With its church, cloister, refectory, sleeping quarters, bakery and ironworks, it is an excellent illustration of the ideal of self-sufficiency as practised by the earliest communities of Cistercian monks". It is the oldest surviving Cistercian foundation in France, situated deep in the forest, it offered the peace and seclusion the Cistercians sought which is reflected in the austere elegance of its architecture.

Vezelay
One of the most beautiful and unforgettable villages in France, built on a steep hill topped by the Basilica and overlooking vineyards.. The Benedictine Abbey at Vezelay dates from the 9th century when it acquired the relics of St. Mary Magdalene and became an important place of pilgrimage. The Basilica of St. Madeleine is “a masterpiece of Burgundian Romanesque art and architecture” (Inscription UNESCO World Heritage Site). It is where the Second Crusade was launched by Saint Bernard in 1146 and where the king of France, Philippe Auguste, and Richard the Lionheart met before setting off on the Third Crusade in 1190.

Cluny
Contains the ruins of what was once the greatest abbey in France. In 910 Bernon founded a Benedictine abbey on the banks of the Grosne, and Cluny became the center of mediaeval Catholicism. Its abbots enjoyed an influence greater than that of popes and kings. Peter Abelard (of Abelard and Eloise fame) died at Cluny.

Abbey at Citeaux
Dates from 12th century. Mother-abbey of the Order of the Cistercians, which was an offshoot of Cluny for those who wanted to live strictly by the rules of St. Benedict. Much of it was destroyed during the French Revolutions, as was Cluny, except for the library. However, The monks of Cîteaux also founded the local vineyards of Clos-Vougeot and Romanée, two of the best wines of Burgundy. Today Cîteaux is famous for its Brie like cheese.

Abbey Saint-Seine-L-Abbaye
Dates from 13th century.

The Cathedrale of Saint-Benigne
Little remains of The 11th century Benedictine abbey founded in honor of Saint-Benigne in Dijon which was rebuilt in the Gothic style in 1272. Beneath the church is a Romanesque crypt, one of the oldest Christian sanctuaries still to be seen in France. In the old dormitory of the Abbey is the Museum of Archeology with a collection of Gallo-Roman sculpture.

"Once again, thank you very much! We had a wonderfull day! If you ever plan to come to Puerto Rico, do not hesitate to contact me." PT

"Larry, thank you for organising the wine tasting, it was most enjoyable. Please pass on our thanks to Francesca." IR