Location

Southern Burgundy

History

Burgundy’s golden age began in 1364 when John II of France bestowed the Dukedom on his son, Phillip the Bold. Philip and his successors acquired vast territories, and by the early 15th century the dukes of Burgundy dominated French politics. A great power, Burgundy at that time had the most important trade, industry, and agriculture of Europe. Its court, a centre of the arts, was second to none.

It all came to an end when the last Duke, Charles the Bold, after engaging in a series of ruinous wars, lost his life. The duchy was seized by Louis XI, who incorporated it into the French lands as a province.

Traces of Burgundy’s glorious past can be seen in the magnificence of the Hospice de Beaune, built by Nicholas Rolin, Chancellor of the Duchy of Burgundy, in 1443.

Also echoing Burgundy’s medieval splendour is Cluny Abbey, once the largest monastery in Europe, with around 10,000 monks.

Just down the road from Les Battées is the Chateau Marguerite de Bourgogne, with its magnificent tower, dating from the 12th century.

Culture

Burgundy’s wine is at the heart of its culture, and Les Battées is ideally positioned for a tour of the villages of the Cote d’Or, the Cote Chalonnaise, and Burgundy’s newest appellation, the Cote Couchois. Travel the Route Touristique du Grands Vins, and sample them all.

South Burgundy offers a lot more than wine. A summer of festivals, from Chalon-sur-Saône’s carnival of street theatre, to Nolay’s medieval festival, offers something to delight all tastes and ages.

If music and theatre interest you, visit Autun, and experience the Roman empire recreated in the magnificent surroundings of its Roman amphitheatre. Alternatively go to an open air concert at the theatre on Mont Rome, a roman theatre recreated by the composer Patrice Sciortino, working with his bare hands.

Leisure Activities

Travel the Voie Vert (the green way) around southern Burgundy by bike or on foot. This beautiful automobile-free haven runs through the varied countryside of the region from the market town of Chagny to the famous medieval monastic centre of Cluny.

Alternatively, there are many walks and cycle rides which will take you off into the Burgundian hillsides to explore the rich medieval history of the region, or its wealth of small wine growers’ estates. Visit the many chateaux, from medieval fortresses perched on defendable hillsides, to rich and opulently decorated palaces set in manicured formal gardens. Just one mile up the road from Les Battées is the Chateau Marguerite de Bourgogne at Couche where an ex-queen is reputed to have disposed of a series of lovers down the chateau’s oubliette.

The Canal du Centre provides an alternative more leisurely approach to travel, with the possibility of a boat ride at nearby Ecuisses, or a walk along the towpath for a little more exercise. And of course there is the traditional activity of simply sitting outside a café on market day with a glass of wine and watching the world go by.