Burgundy

Burgundy is a historical region in France. It used to be its own administrative region until January 1, 2016, when it joined with another area to become Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The main city there is Dijon.

The name Burgundy comes from the Burgundians, a group of people who lived there long ago. During the Middle Ages, Burgundy was very important. It was the heart of the Duchy of Burgundy, which was a powerful part of the Kingdom of France. Later, it became a key area in the Valois-Burgundian State.

Today, Burgundy is famous for its beautiful old buildings, places where monks lived, and especially its wine. Some important religious centers there were Cluny, Cîteaux, and Vézelay. Dijon grew to be a big city for government, art, and learning.

Etymology

Burgundy is named after the Burgundians, a group of people from eastern Germany who moved west during the time of the Romans. The name Burgundy has been used for many different areas and governments over time. It first appeared in the 800s as part of an old kingdom ruled by the Burgundians. Later, Burgundy became part of a larger empire led by the Franks.

Since 1790, when France was organized into departments, Burgundy has referred to a specific area made up of four departments: Côte-d'Or, Saône-et-Loire, Yonne, and Nièvre.

History

Main article: History of Burgundy

The area that is now Burgundy was first home to ancient tribes called the Celts, especially the Aedui. Later, the Romans came and brought their culture to the land.

In the 4th century, a group of people called the Burgundians settled in the western Alps and created their own kingdom. This kingdom was later taken over by another group, the Franks. Under Frankish rule, Burgundy continued as a kingdom for many years.

Over time, Burgundy became a duchy, or a region ruled by a duke, under the Kingdom of France. Important churches and monasteries grew there, such as Cluny and Cîteaux. During the Hundred Years' War, Burgundy became very powerful and wealthy.

Eventually, Burgundy became part of France. In 2016, the region joined with Franche-Comté to form the new region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

Geography

Burgundy is a region in France. It is bigger than the old Duchy of Burgundy but smaller than the area ruled by the Dukes of Burgundy, which stretched from the modern Netherlands to the border of Auvergne. Today, Burgundy includes parts of several old provinces.

The main parts of Burgundy today are:

• Burgundy: Côte-d'Or, Saône-et-Loire, and the southern half of Yonne. This area matches the old duchy of Burgundy.
• Nivernais: now the department of Nièvre.
• The northern half of Yonne was not historically part of Burgundy. It was a border area between Champagne, Île-de-France, and Orléanais, and belonged to each of these areas at different times.

Some of the major communities in Burgundy are:

• Autun
• Auxerre
• Avallon
• Beaune
• Chalon-sur-Saône
• Dijon
• Le Creusot
• Mâcon
• Montceau-les-Mines
• Nevers
• Paray-le-Monial
• Sens

Climate

The climate in this region is mostly like the weather in the ocean areas. It has some effects from the land, making it a mix between ocean and land weather.

Politics

The regional council of Burgundy was the group that made decisions for the region. It stopped working when Burgundy joined together with another area to form the regional council of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

Culture

Burgundy is famous for its wines, especially red and white wines made from Pinot noir and Chardonnay grapes. The region includes areas like the Côte-d'Or, known for its expensive wines, as well as Beaujolais, Chablis, the Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâcon.

The area is also known for its food, such as Dijon mustard, Charolais beef, Bresse chicken, and dishes like coq au vin and beef bourguignon. Visitors can see places like the Rock of Solutré, the Hospices de Beaune, and the Ducal Palace in Dijon.

See also: Burgundy wine