3 Cities to Visit in Burgundy
Of all the marvelous regions to visit in France, perhaps the most noteworthy is Burgundy. From food and wine to nightlife and shopping to history, music and art, there is a little bit of everything to experience in this one beautiful place. Explore ancient châteaux and vineyards, enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride through picturesque medieval villages or relax alongside the many charming canals and rivers that weave their way peacefully through the area. Burgundy is home to a number of lovely towns and cities, including the more popular Beaune and Dijon. And while these cities are certainly great, there are other less-known cities that feature just as much to do and see. Here are three that top the must-visit list.
Auxerre
This fantastic little city happens to serve as the capital of Burgundy’s Yonne department and is home to some of the most incredible wine produced in the world, particularly Chablis. If wine tasting isn’t your forte, there are plenty of other things to do and see in Auxerre. The Old Town is rich with history and boasts a lovely clock tower to visit. There is also the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d’Auxerre, a gothic-style building that was constructed back in the early 1200’s. It boasts three remarkable doorways and some of the most exquisite stained glass windows in all of France. Finally, the Abbey of Saint Germain houses several ancient paintings within its crypt. One thing is for certain, a visit to Auxerre certainly won’t leave you bored.
Macon
Located along the Saone River, in the southernmost part of Burgundy, the quaint city of Macon is home to a little over 35,000 people. It is particularly well known for the many beautiful parks and flourishing gardens found throughout the area. Macon is also rich with history, boasting a number of historical buildings to explore. The Macon Cathedral, also known as Old Saint-Vincent, can be found in the town’s center and the Church of Saint Pere is located just opposite of Town Hall. The Theater of Macon also makes an interesting place to visit. Macon’s ideal location, fascinating historical finds and spectacular natural beauty make it a particularly unique and unforgettable destination.
Nevers
Speaking of ideal locations, the peaceful city of Nevers is situated on a hill along the right bank of the beautiful Loire River, making it an especially picturesque place to visit. It’s not all about landscapes, of course – there are also plenty of sites of interest to discover there. For instance, the Cathédrale of Saint Cyr-Sainte Julitte presents a fascinating combination of two architectural styles with the west side boasting Romanesque design and the east side Gothic in style. History lovers will particularly enjoy a visit to the Ducal Palace, which was built during the 16th century. Now utilized for the courts of justice and home to a ceramic museum, the building is one of central France’s principal feudal edifices. The city perfectly combines intriguing history with all the charm an old French town can offer.
The French region of Burgundy offers just about everything possible to satisfy even the worldliest traveler. Rest, relaxation, excitement and discovery, both cultural and historical, can all be found here, amidst the many quaint cities, towns and villages. If a trip to Burgundy is in your future, be sure to include a stop at each of the three cities listed above so you can experience the very best that this incredible region has to offer.