Walk over time in Burgundy
Burgundy, a vast region broadly renowned for its prestigious wines, exhibits many thrilling characteristics. Perhaps the most fascinating of all is it’s incredible historical heritage.
Today, I would like to describe this feature of our wonderful region to you, which is easily discoverable by walking , cycling, horse riding or driving through.
It would be a shame to begin this depiction without referring to Cluny’s prestigious abbey ruled by Benedict monks that spread to Britain, Italy , and Spain.
Cluny II , a masterpiece of roman art at it’s pinnacle, was destroyed in the 19th century; the size of the abbey was second only to St Peter of Rome.
Then let’s move on to the famous Cîteaux Abbey (to whom the Clos Vougeot belonged to) spread out with it’s sister abbeys: Clairvaux, Vezelay, La Ferté, Pontigny..(wines of Chablis) in the 12th century.
The rule of St Bernard was very strict : austerity, sternness, inflexibility ; the monks worked hard cultivating the soil.
On top of that you can find in Burgundy a multitude of hidden treasures that one discovers along the path that takes you through the hills and slopes; village after village, marvel after marvel, once a church, once a farm, once a town hall, a wash trough, a medieval house, a castle or a mansion.
They appear in a sunbeam like a miraculous vestige, testimony to the vibrant past of our region.
Living in Saône et Loire I can share some of my detailed knowledge of the area. The villages are rich with surprises and take your breath away; let me name the roman churches of Chapaize, Berzé la ville, Ozenay; their simplicity and austerity inspire spirituality, as well as small castles nested on top of the hills. (In fact I discovered one last summer above Cormatin).
Territories of minor landlords, these medieval halls witnessed many trades and markets ie. Nolay, including charming washing troughs around which almost all women gathered.
Arguably as striking, the powerful castles Rully, Germolle, Chamilly, Couches, picturesque medieval villages like Brancion, and abbeys and secret cloisters like Tournus, fill the coastline with architectural treasures which belong to our local heritage, and that enlighten the curious hiker seeking the past.
The incredible architectural richness testifies the vitality of the Burgondes and Celtics; and its contribution to the expansion of great wines that generate undeniable envy all around the world.
Anne-Sophie Debavelaere
