An Important Religious Heritage
Two important religious orders were established in Burgundy in the Middle Ages: the Order of Saint Benedict in Cluny in the 10th century, followed by the order of Saint Bernard in Cîteaux. A number of abbeys and priories gave the region a widespread spiritual influence, which lasts to this day.
Taizé and Paray-le-Monial are visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year who come to appreciate these sites' historical significance and spiritual atmosphere.
A Prestigious Historic Heritage
Many artefacts and vestiges of earlier civilisations bear witness to Burgundy's early history. These include remains dating from 18000 to 15000 BC in Solutré and the famous "Vix Treasure” from the Iron Age, with a magnificent vase believed to have belonged to a Celtic princess. Mont Beuvray, Alésia and Autun remind us of the role played by the Romans and Gauls.
In the 5th century, a nomadic people from the Danish island of Bornholm came to this part of Gaul and established the Kingdom of Burgundy. In the 14th and 15th centuries, a series of dukes presided over the golden age of Burgundy.
Phillip the Bold and his successors John the Fearless, Phillip the Good and Charles the Bold battled tirelessly to extend their empire and increase their independence, gaining power on a par with the kings of France. Burgundian cultural, political and artistic influence was widespread in Europe up until Charles the Bold's death in Nancy in 1477.
Burgundy came under the rule of the French King Louis XI following the treaty of Arras in 1482.