One of the world’s most famous wine destinations also turns out to be rich in culture, perhaps seen at its finest in Burgundy architecture. Whether they’re classic Roman, rich Romanesque, over-the-top Renaissance or cutting-edge modern, buildings in Burgundy offer a feast for visitors’ eyes.
In this piece, we visit some of Burgundy’s most emblematic buildings that, between them, showcase the area’s beautiful architecture. And we make our tour chronological, starting way back in time and ending with a contemporary bang.
Roman architecture in Burgundy
An exploration of Burgundy architecture starts with the region’s first occupiers, the Romans. Just as they did almost everywhere in France, the Romans left their indelible mark in Burgundy. And one of the best places to see it is in Autun whose Roman legacy goes back to 70AD.
Although Autun’s Roman monuments aren’t quite on a par with those in Nîmes and Arles, they still make impressive viewing and are exemplary of the features of Burgundy architecture.
While you’re in the pretty town, don’t miss the two city gates: Porte Sainte-André and Porte d’Arroux, still used by traffic. Then there’s the Temple of Janus and the amphitheatre with capacity for a huge 20,000 people.
Did you know? The amphitheatre in Autun is believed to have been the biggest in the Roman world.
Romanesque Burgundy architecture
Next, we leap forward several centuries to the 900s when the Burgundian Romanesque style began its 300-year heyday in the region. This architectural building style was common throughout France, but in Burgundy, it comes with some unique characteristics. Keep an eye open for rib vaults and pointed archways in many Romanesque churches and chapels.
Among the Romanesque treasures in Burgundy, be sure to feast your eyes on these:
- Abbaye de Cluny – once the most powerful monastery in the world, the current buildings total just 10% of the original vast abbey estate.
- Abbaye de Fontenay – a UNESCO heritage site, this beautiful complex ranks as the world’s oldest preserved Cistercian abbey.
- Abbaye de Tournus – on the banks of the River Saône, gems at this abbey include the 12th-century mosaics of the 12 signs of the zodiac.
- Beaune and Dijon cathedrals – both are magnificent examples of the Romanesque architectural style in Burgundy. In Dijon, it fuses with Gothic to create some of the finest spires in the region.
- Vézelay Basilica – another UNESCO heritage site, this beautiful church was the starting point for the Via Lemovicencis for pilgrims on St James’ Way to Santiago de Compostela.
Did you know? Burgundy wines are as just as fine as the architecture. Find out why
Renaissance in Burgundy buildings
France embraced the Renaissance between the 15th and 17th centuries, designing châteaux and civic buildings in the ornate style all over the country. The Burgundian renaissance was no different and the region showcases some of the best Renaissance creations, including fine Burgundy palaces such as:
- Château Ancy Le Franc – possibly the best example of all
- Clos de Vougeot – home to the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, the Brotherhood of Burgundy Wine
- Château de Commarin on its ‘mirror of water’
- Hôtel Dieu in Beaune – also known as the Hospices de Beaune, this vibrant building is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Burgundy. Its colourful Burgundian glazed roof tiles in Beaune town centre are one of the region’s emblems and worthy of a trip just to see them.
- Maison du Colombier – this mansion belonging to a 16th-century wine merchant in Beaune contains another Burgundy Renaissance jewel seen in the bartizan or corner turret.
- Noyers-sur-Serein – the entire village, one of the prettiest in France, offers an architectural feast in its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and Renaissance touches. A full 78 buildings in the village are listed as Historical Monuments and resplendent examples of Burgundian architecture.
Neo-gothic and neo-classical in Burgundy
These architectural styles also made their mark in the region. The best places to see these unique features of Burgundy are:
- Château de la Rochepot – the original stones date back centuries, but the palace was completely restored in neo-gothic style in the late 19th century. You’ll recognise the roof tiles that take those at the Hôtel Dieu in Beaune as their model.
- Ópera de Dijon – this fine neo-classical building received its first concertgoers in 1828 and has an interior much like you’ll find at opera houses in Italy such as La Scala in Milan.
Did you know? In Burgundy, you can take a walk on the wine side – discover how
Contemporary modern Burgundy architecture
And finally, we arrive to the present day when Burgundy continues to stand out for its architecture. Whether it’s cutting-edge museums or a new look for historical monuments, modern design also has a place to call its own in the region. Don’t miss:
- Consortium Museum – designed in minimalist style to ensure its contemporary art exhibitions take centre stage, this art gallery carries the signature of Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. While you’re admiring the building, don’t miss the uber-modern artwork.
- Fontenay Abbey gardens – remodelled in 1996 by British landscape artist Peter Homes, the gardens now contain a number of different spaces with a contemporary vibe that’s a world away from the monastery. However, the 40m-high plane tree planted in 1780 still takes pride of place.
- MuséoParc Alesia – striking new meets ancient history at this extraordinary museum in Alise-Sainte-Reine. The building, created by Bernard Tschumi, who also designed the Parc de la Villette in Paris, covers the site of the Battle of Alesia between the Gauls and Romans in 52BC. Be sure to take in the panoramic views from the plant-covered rooftop.
- Place de la Libération – this iconic square in central Dijon had a full facelift in 2006 with three fountains and limestone paving, giving it a fresh modern look next to the famous Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.
Ready to visit Burgundy? You can get up close and personal to Burgundy architecture when you take a river cruise on the Saône and Rhône Rivers. Start your search here
Read more about Burgundy
- The ultimate guide to hotel barging in Burgundy
- Your guide to Boeuf Bourguignon
- Download our free guide to Burgundy
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