Alain Doire Bfc Tourism Bfc 0015000Alain Doire Bfc Tourism Bfc 0015000
©Alain Doire Bfc Tourism Bfc 0015000|Alain Doire
Extend your stay toDiscover Burgundymore than an hour from Beaune

Burgundy’s must-sees just over an hour from Beaune

Nested in the heart of Burgundy, Beaune is a popular destination for its wine heritage and architecture. But beyond its ramparts and its Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune, the region is home to many hidden and hidden treasures, more than an hour from the wine capital. From the Gallo-Roman era to the apogee of Christianity in Europe, emblematic sites await you for a journey back in time and a plunge into the Burgundian atmosphere. Destinations to enrich your stay and explore every facet of the region.

Let's go for a walk ...

Alesia: in the footsteps of Vercingetorix

In the small commune of Alise-Sainte-Reine, the site of Alésia takes you to the heart of Gallo-Roman history. It was here that the famous Battle of Alésia between Julius Caesar and Vercingétorix took place, a major episode in the conquest of Gaul. Today, explore a modern interpretation centre and admire the vestiges of the ancient city to relive this historic moment.

Good news! Alésia is accessible by train. Get off at Les Laumes Alésia station, then walk, cycle or take a taxi to the site.

Cluny and the Cistercian Order

The Abaye de Cluny, in Saône et Loire, is one of the prides of the Bourgogne Franche-Comtacute; region. Those who live there assure you that it is the most beautiful and largest abbey in Europe, and for some in the world. They’re not entirely wrong… Who said we Burgundians were chauvinistic? Long stone corridors steeped in history, an avenue surrounded by small round fir trees, its long cloister leading to the Salle Capitulaire, the visit will take you well over 2 hours to see it all. This monument, measuring 187 metres in length, has plenty to impress you. And there are plenty of buildings that have been added over the centuries. A 3D reconstruction on tabletops lets you imagine the majesty of the place.

The Cluniac heritage is accessible by train to Mâcon, then by bus or car.

The Château de Bussy-Rabutin

In the heart of l’Auxois, the castle of Bussy-Rabutin immerses you in the singular world of Count Roger de Bussy-Rabutin, writer and courtier of the XVIIᵉ siècle. This Renaissance château, surrounded by gardens à la française, is distinguished by its richly decorated salons and dark galleries adorned with portraits that recount, with a touch of mischief, the life of the court under Louis XIV. A visit to Bussy-Rabutin is all about discovering an architectural gem and immersing yourself in the piquant spirit of a colourful character, all in a verdant setting.

Château d'Ancy-le-Franc

Ancy-le-Franc is renowned for its sumptuous Renaissance château, a veritable architectural gem of the 16th century. The Ancy-le-Franc castle opens the doors to Burgundian nobility: elegant façades, refined interior décors and vast parkà la française. You can take part in guided tours, temporary exhibitions and numerous cultural events throughout the year. Its parkland of more than 50 hectares, located close to the Port du Canal, will also win you over with its peaceful, leafy setting.

Fontenay Abbey

Classed as one of the very first French monuments to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the abbaye de Fontenay is a veritable monument to Romanesque art, close to Montbard. Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, this Cistercian abbey is among the best preserved in Europe. It invites visitors to stroll through its cloister, abbey church and chapter house, to admire the full brilliance of its architecture. Nestled in a pristine valley spanning more than 1,200 hectares, this abbey has been home to remarkably well-preserved buildings for almost 900 years.

Royal Saltworks of Arc et Senans

Classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans is a masterpiece of industrial architecture from the 18th century. Designed by the architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, this former salt factory impresses with itsunique semi-circular floor plan and monumental buildings. And how modern it has been! Today, the Saltworks invites visitors to explore its pavilions, exhibitions and gardens and delve into the history of salt and industrial utopia. You’ll be fascinated by the place and its history.

Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne in Mâcon

Overlooking the rives of the Saône, the press screw emblematic of the Cité des Climats et des vins de Bourgogne de Mâcon rises above the building. It is through the south of the Burgundy vineyards that you will learn about the complexity of the wines of the Mâconnais, the Côte Chalonnaise and the Côtes du Couchois.

On the tracks of the winegrowers who cultivate the land, you will discover the history and landscapes where red or white liquor is born.

Between history and terroir, discover the wines of Burgundy and the unique know-how of the winegrowers. Through exhibitions, workshops and immersive tours, explore Burgundy’s winegrowing heritage, its « climats », meticulously delimited plots that make up the richness of the region’s wines.

Mâcon is accessible by train. Mâcon-Ville station, located in the city centre, provides easy access to tourist sites such as the Cité des Climats.

Bibracte

Located on the slopes of Mont Beuvray, in the heart of the Morvan, Bibracte reveals the impressive remains of a great Gallic city. Once a major political and economic centre, it was here that Vercingétorix was proclaimed ruler of the Gauls. Today, this archaeological site invites visitors to take a journey back in time through its remains, remnants of ramparts and living quarters. Its modern museum dedicated to Celtic history is the perfect surprise for a family holiday. There’s so much to learn here, and in a much more interactive way than at the 😉 school Référencé Natura 2000 and ZNIEFF, the site offers a remarkable natural setting, where ZNIEFF; grow the « queules », these trees with singularères shapes that seem to have échappé à all maîtrise. A must-see for anyone with a passionate interest in archaeology, ancient history and nature.

To visit Bibracte without a car, you can take the train to Étang-sur-Arroux station. From there, a shuttle service (03 86 77 11 44) can be booked to take you directly to the site. Alternatively, car pooling and regional buses are also options to consider to make your journey easier. Remember to book your shuttle in advance for a worry-free transfer between Étang and Bibracte.

The Basilica of Vézelay

Perched atop its hill, the village of Vézelay, one of the most beautiful villages in France, invites you to reconnect. Dominating the Morvan, the basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a masterpiece of Romanesque art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. Vézelay is the starting point of a famous pilgrimage route leading to Santiago de Compostela. Stroll through its medieval streets, discover its local artisans and soak up the unique atmosphere of this site steeped in history. Prepare your legs, it climbs !

Via Lemovicensis or Vézelay Way

The GR 654 links the village of Véacute;zelay and its majestic basilica with Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. It will take you between 50 and 60 days to cover the 1100 km of paths. By bike or on foot, the route will take you across 10 départements and through towns such as Limoges, Bourges, Nevers, Périgueux and Mont de Marsan.

Époisses Castle

Overlooking the Époisses villagelabeled a city of character, the fortress welcomes you. The medieval Époisses castle has seen a prestigious history unfold since the IVᵉ century. Residence in turn of the Queen of the Franks, the Dukes of Burgundy, the Grand Condé, then the Marchess of Sévigné, it was first a royal house before becoming seigneurial in the XIIᵉ century. Its mêlant Mediaeval and Renaissance architecture offers a unique immersion in regional history. Its richly decorated rooms and peaceful gardens invite you to take a stroll. This château inspired Madame de Lafayette for her novel La Princesse de Clèves. The victim of numerous attacks, it was almost demolished in the 18th century. It has survived the centuries and still reveals its secrets to visitors today. As an added bonus, you can visit a dovecote in perfect condition.

Paray-le-Monial

At the heart of southern Burgundy, Paray-le-Monial stands out for its charm and rich spiritual heritage. A veritable jewel of Romanesque art, the Basilique du Sacré-Cœurdominates the town and attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world every year. Known as the site of the apparitions of Christ to Saint Marguerite-Marie Alacoque, this holy place of worship still shines with its remarkable architecture and mystical history. Pope John Paul II came here in 1986 to celebrate mass in front of more than 130,000 people.

To get there, take the train to Montchanin.

Think about calculating your journeys for journeys that are less costly for you and the planet! Compare the different means of transport using the ADEME tool.