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Burgundy |
As one of the richest regions of France, the historic towns and villages of Burgundy are the product of many centuries of civilization. It's a region known the world over as the producer of some of the finest wines and food available anywhere on this planet. Travelling through Burgundy is a unique experience in what many centuries of civilization can produce.
Burgundy spans a watershed. The Saône River runs south to the Mediterranean; the Yonne flows north to join the Seine. In addition, canals link the main cities and towns. A boat ride along Burgundy's waterways makes a truly delightful way to float through history.
The Canal de Bourgogne is the most popular waterway in France for leisure cruising extending over 150 miles through the vineyards, towns and villages of this beautiful region.
Towns like Escommes, Dijon, Seurre, Digoin, and St Léger are all perfect stepping off points for your Burgundy adventure aboard Fleur de Lys, Amaryllis or Hirondelle.
The wines of Burgundy are a never-ending story. Their presence is written large on every page of the golden book of Burgundian history. They are the soul of Burgundy. But more than that, they lie at the heart of a regional economy which over the years has grown in step with the ever-growing renown of Burgundy's wines. They have their honored place in the cellars and at the tables of wine-lovers the world over.
Today the vineyards of Burgundy cover an area of some 23,000 hectares, divided into five main growing-areas. From north to south they are: Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Maconnais; and finally, to the West the vineyards of Pouilly-sur-Loire and Pouilly-Fumé.
The region is also dotted with impressive castles, many of which are open to visitors. Many are 'châteaux forts' when defence was a priority. Others reflect the Renaissance period where style was a more important priority. 'La Rochepot' is definitely in the defensive league though its marvelous Burgundian roof illustrates that even in medieval times a little style was not out of place. Châteauneuf is more forbidding.
High on a hillside overlooking what is now the Autoroute A6 to Paris and the Burgundy canal, you can still feel that somebody is watching you from the ramparts, just checking that your intentions are friendly! | | |
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