What are the must-see heritage sites in Burgundy ?

               Must-see cultural heritage sites in Burgundy
 

Burgundy is packed with historic buildings and monuments, as well as a host of cultural sites.

There are 3 cultural sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, making them irreplaceable, colourful and historic places that are a must-see!

Fontenay Abbey, founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard, one of France's greatest saints, is the oldest surviving Cistercian abbey in the world. Despite its nine centuries of history, this monument has kept all its buildings intact, which is why the abbey was included on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1981. It was one of the first French monuments to appear on this list.

A second UNESCO World Heritage site is the Basilica and Hill of Vézelay. This site was originally established in the 9th century as a Benedictine abbey. It was some time later, in the 12th century, when the monastery acquired the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene, that a Romanesque church was built. The Basilica then became a major place of pilgrimage for those who came to honor the relics of Sainte-Marie Madeleine, especially as Vézelay lies on the route to Santiago de Compostela. When you visit this basilica, you will marvel at the feat of Romanesque architecture that stands before your eyes, as well as the wonderful sculpted details.

Notre-Dame de La Charité-sur-Loire Priory was founded in 1059 on the initiative of the Order of Cluny, a monastic order of the Catholic Church. The monastery is a remarkable example of Burgundian Romanesque art. It became one of the five ‘eldest daughters of Cluny’, and in the Middle Ages was the second largest church in France. At the time, the priory could hold up to 5,000 worshippers, and had around fifty branches throughout Europe. Anecdotally, in 1429 Joan of Arc tried unsuccessfully to lay siege to the town. The monument was listed by UNESCO in 1998.

                Natural heritage in Burgundy
 

Whether shaped by nature or by the hand of man, Burgundy is also home to a multitude of landscapes and natural sites, each more impressive than the last.  Open your eyes wide and you'll be amazed by the region's natural heritage! From walks along rivers and canals to exceptional panoramas and underground wonders, Burgundy has plenty of places to explore.

           
    4 must-see natural sites
 

The Rochers du Carnaval (Carnival Rocks) in the 681-metre-high Uchon massif are granite rocks with curious geological shapes. At the top, the massif offers a remarkable panorama of the plain and surrounding area.

 Another remarkable viewpoint awaits you at the top of Mont-Beuvray, culminating at an altitude of 821 metres. It's a wonderful spot from which to watch the sun rise and set on a clear day. What's more, the site is rich in history, being the site of the ancient capital of the Gallic people, the Eduens, no less! It's a colourful place that's even seen the likes of Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar pass through its doors! So don't hesitate to take a trip to this delightful site steeped in history.

A natural paradise with the Bec d'Allier. This natural site is worthy of the landscapes you might see in the Amazon. Here, the river Loire meets the river Allier, creating a natural masterpiece of sandbanks, meadows, moorland and alluvial forest. The site has been a Michelin Green Guide star since 2023 and was the first to be classified as a ‘River Panda Site’ in France in 2005, a testament to the treasure it represents.

Finally, the Roche de Solutré is the perfect way to round off these four highlights of Burgundy's natural heritage. This natural monument lies at the heart of the Grand Site de France, comprising Solutré, Pouilly and Vergisson. In fact, it harbors many treasures, including rare flora and fauna, including 40 protected species, one of the largest prehistoric deposits in Europe and the result of a rare geological phenomenon. A place rich in history that you can discover in greater depth by visiting the prehistory museum at the foot of the Roche de Solutré.

Did you know? François Mitterrand had a ritual of making a sort of “pilgrimage” up the Roche de Solutré every year between 1946 and 1995, on Whit Sunday.  

         Different underground wonders
 

Burgundy also abounds in fascinating underground wonders.

These include the Grottes d'Azé, a listed prehistoric site dating from between 250,000 and 10,000 BC. A blend of prehistory, archaeology, geology, speleology and natural jewels, these caves reveal their geological wonders, harboring numerous traces of the past.

There is also the Arcy-sur-Cure cave, a listed historic monument that also contains remarkable traces of the past dating back thousands of years. Its evidence of Paleolithic human activity makes it unique in the world. Embark on a guided tour filled with history to a room decorated with cave paintings dating back 28,000 years!

       Peaceful rivers and canals
 

Burgundy also boasts many peaceful, characterful river landscapes. This is the perfect opportunity to take a stroll with family or friends, on foot or by bike, in a magnificent setting. It's also an ideal way to stop off in the charming little villages you'll find along the way!

The best-known canal is, of course, the Canal de Bourgogne. 242 kilometers long, it crosses the entire Côte-d'Or region. With its exceptional landscapes, castles and picturesque villages, the Canal de Bourgogne is the perfect place to take a stroll.

Then there's the Canal du Nivernais, 174 kilometers long and France's second-busiest canal. This canal has never undergone any industrial or urban impact, earning it the gentle name of “garden canal” due to its tranquility and the verdant landscapes that follow it along its course.

Burgundy is also home to rivers such as the Saône, often cited as one of the most beautiful rivers in France, and once a natural border of Burgundy-Franche-Comté. The Yonne, for its part, is a river at the heart of Burgundy's emblematic towns and vineyards.