The region of
Burgundy is located just southwest of Paris, easily accessible from
the capital thanks to the high-speed TGV train, excellent highways,
and a network of rivers and canals. The Saône River, the Canal de
Bourgogne, and numerous other waterways provide a leisurely means
for a travelling vacation. From behind the wheel of a rented boat
you can glide along tree-lined canals, hardly faster than a brisk
walk. Luxurious hotel-barges are also available which offer
exquisite service, haute cuisine, and the best wines from Burgundy's
vineyards. Regional cuisine includes the famous boeuf bourguignon,
coq au vin, and garlicky snails. And don't forget that Dijon is
synonymous with mustard!
Famous for its
fine wines, Bourgogne is home to "the best wines in
Christendom," including Chamberlain, Pommard, Meursault, Chablis,
Pouilly-Fuissé, and a long list of other well-known names. In the
medieval city of Beaune an annual three-day wine auction draws
vinophiles from around the world. Called Les Trois Glorieuses,
it is held in the Hospices de Beaune, a 15th-century charity
hospital.
History buffs
will thrill to the medieval city of Vézelay. The Ste-Madeleine
Basilica was finished in 878. Three centuries later St. Bernard
preached the Second Crusade from its pulpit, and in 1190 Richard the
Lionheart, king of England, and Philippe-Auguste, king of France,
met here to launch the Third Crusade.
In the centre of
Dijon is the Palais des Ducs, which today houses the Musée des
Beaux-Arts. Sometimes called "Le Petit Louvre" because of its
extraordinary collections, it houses works ranging from medieval to
renaissance to impressionist.
For a view of
Burgundy usually reserved for the birds, hop a ride with one of
several hot-air balloon companies; you'll receive a fairy-tale view
of this magical land.
