Burgundy

Author: (French) Ozia
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The Burgundy region is located in central France, encompassing the departments of C?te-d'Or, Sa?ne-et-Loire, Nièvre, and Yonne. The northwestern part extends into the Paris Basin, while the south borders the Central Plateau. Its capital is Dijon. With an area of 31,582 square kilometers, it accounts for 5.7% of France's total land area. The population was 1.61 million (1990), representing 2.8% of the national total. In Burgundy, a distinctive wine culture has actually taken shape. From Dijon to Rochebouillet, whether it's castles or private hotels, the colorful rooftops are adorned with unique vineyards. Among them, the most renowned is the "Hotel Dieu" in Beaune. In Burgundy's wine culture, one of the most cherished historical sites is the "H?tel-Dieu," which played a significant role. Built in the 15th century by Nicolas Rolin, the French Chancellor of the Seal and Duke of Burgundy, and his wife, the hospital was constructed to provide shelter for the poor. Today, it has become a museum. This tradition of charity has been preserved to this day. Since 1059, an annual grand charity auction has been held on the third Sunday of November, attracting many famous actors. At this time, all savvy wine producers seize the opportunity to advertise. Thus, the auction has essentially become a wine culture festival. For the people of Burgundy, wine is not just a culture but also an excellent "ambassador." They pay great attention to the image of their wine. Their wine is aged in oak barrels for at least 16 months before being released for tasting. Burgundy wine is exported worldwide. People discover Burgundy through its rich and aromatic wines. Countries like Italy, Chile, and the United Kingdom have imitated Burgundy wine to varying degrees. Of course, this has further enhanced Burgundy's international reputation.
A Diverse Life Scene
What makes this region most attractive is its vibrant landscapes and lifestyles throughout the year. Beyond the beautiful terracotta roofs of the wine region, the gray slate of Morvan is equally distinctive. This slate, used on the walls of mountain houses, can withstand the cold winds from the 910-meter-high Montagne-Franche. Burgundy offers a wealth of outdoor activities, but most captivating are fishing and rock climbing. Countless people fish by the rapids of the Girolle River. However, the ideal spot for fishing is the Sa?ne River. At least 10,000 fishing enthusiasts gather along the banks of the Sa?ne in Chalon, and there is even a fishing club that has won multiple French championships. The region has even become the capital of freshwater fishing. Many also enjoy rock climbing, with the limestone cliffs behind the vineyards serving as a perfect destination for climbers.
Burgundians love flavorful foods such as goat cheese and wine. These dishes are already fragrant and appetizing even before being eaten. Spicy foods are also a favorite among Burgundians. Dijon is particularly famous for its spicy mustard and "Red Juice." At local banquets, after snails, the dish served is "red wine poached eggs," followed by Charolais pork, which is finely chopped and enjoyed with a bold, spiced mustard. Burgundy beef stewed in red wine is also one of France's renowned dishes. Despite being in central France and far from the sea, outdoor restaurants never lack fish on their menus. In Verdun, there is a Proven?al-style dish—fish soup cooked with water or white wine, seasoned with garlic, saffron, and olive oil—that is both delicious and highly favored by visitors. For centuries, Burgundy has been one of France's main suppliers of pork. The locally produced ham has a garlicky, gelatinous texture and is garnished with red and green spices, giving it a unique cultural charm.
Distinctive Climate and Soil Conditions
The unique climate and soil conditions of Burgundy give rise to many local specialties. In Morvan, visitors can savor vegetable stewed meat, while in Bresse, they can enjoy corn porridge and corn pancakes. Among the most refined are the blue-footed white-crowned poultry of Bresse and the Charolais lamb, which has been exported for over a century and is now sold in 65 countries. Additionally, the "" (a type of sheep's milk cheese) from Macon, the sweet Cistercian wine brewed by monks in the suburbs of Dijon, and the high-proof épernay wine made from Burgundy grapes are always unforgettable.
Ancient History and Cultural Art
Burgundy is rich in historical and cultural heritage. Its castles are particularly enchanting. On the Chateau de Brouage, the Wellesintorix was proclaimed the leader of the Gauls. Today, the old castle has become a center for Celtic culture. Former French President Fran?ois Mitterrand proposed an ambitious plan to reconstruct Celtic culture, which includes building a museum and a European archaeological center for researchers worldwide. Once realized, Europe could become a global hub for castle tourism and research. Other historical landmarks in Burgundy also attract art enthusiasts from around the world. For example, the Fontenay Abbey and Vézelay Cathedral, listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the Cluny Benedictine Abbey, once a religious center of medieval Europe. These buildings are just a of the region's dozen or so cultural and historical sites. Each has its own charm: Nivelles, the birthplace of the House of Gonzaga, is famous for its Italian ceramics; Auxerre is renowned for its Gothic cathedral and Saint-Germain-Bénédicte Abbey; and Autun takes pride in its Gallo-Roman history and the triangular pediment of the cathedral built by Guillaume de Clisson.
Each department in Burgundy has its own unique characteristics and irresistible charm. In the Yonne region, the residents of Saint-Fargeau gather every summer to perform a large-scale historical drama, recreating the story of the "Big Miss" Duchess of Montpensier, who was exiled from the royal court in 1652 for her involvement in the Fronde. Burgundy is beautiful because it is a green land; Burgundy is even more appealing because of its rich and aromatic wines.