The history of Burgundy
Burgundy is a region rich in history: the site of the famous Solutré rock, 8 km from Mâcon, is evidence that humans lived there 55,000 years ago.
Two centuries before Christ, the Aedui people were a prosperous Gallic tribe living west of the Saône River.
The alliance between the Gallic peoples against Julius Caesar took shape in Bibracte, located on Mount Beuvray, connecting local history to national history.
Bibracte, Alésia, and the city of Autun bear witness to Gallo-Roman activity in Burgundy.
However, the region owes its name to the Burgundians, a people originally from the eastern Rhine region who settled in the area in the mid-5th century. The Kingdom of Burgundy later became the Kingdom of Burgundy.
In the early Middle Ages, the Kingdom of Burgundy was divided into multiple counties, which were attached to the Kingdom of the Franks. After the death of Charlemagne, the lands of the Carolingian Empire were divided. In 880, Richard II of Burgundy (Richard the Justiciar) founded the Duchy of Burgundy, consisting of the counties of Mâcon, Chalon, Sens, Auxerre, Tonnerre, Nevers, and Autun. During the Middle Ages, the Duchy of Burgundy was opposed to the County of Burgundy, which became the present-day Franche-Comté.
In the 11th and 12th centuries, the development of the Cluny and Cîteaux abbeys contributed to the spiritual, economic, cultural, and artistic influence of Burgundy.
In 1369, Philip the Bold extended the territory of the Duchy of Burgundy to the current Netherlands through his marriage to Margaret III of Flanders. In the following centuries, Philip the Bold, John the Fearless, Philip the Good, and Charles the Bold successively expanded the Kingdom of Burgundy, which rivaled the powerful Kingdom of France. The Duchy of Burgundy was only integrated into the Kingdom of France at the end of the 15th century, in 1480, after the death of Charles the Bold. However, Burgundy retained its Estates and its Parliament, located in Dijon, until the Revolution. Afterward, its history merged with that of France.
The economic history of Burgundy is based on agriculture and forestry. As a land of livestock, Burgundy is renowned for its Charolais beef, poultry, cheese, and its wine regions that have given rise to legendary wines. Burgundy also has its industrial assets with the Creusot-Monceau-les-Mines steel complex, which developed in the 19th century.
And Chalon-sur-Saône was the birthplace of photography in the 20th century!
In 1981, François Mitterrand, elected from the Nièvre department, became President of the Republic. Every year, he would climb the Solutré rock. The circle is complete: Saône-et-Loire and Burgundy are undeniably linked to the history of France!
The wines and vineyards
Burgundy wines are the most well-known and widespread specialty of our region.
The vineyard stretches over 250 km in length and across three of the four departments: Yonne, Côte d'Or, and Saône-et-Loire. It should be noted that Beaujolais, although considered a Burgundy wine, is actually produced from grape varieties located in the Rhône department.
The Burgundy vineyard comprises about a hundred AOCs (Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée), which are official quality certifications, including more than 30 grand crus.
The wine produced from this vineyard is primarily white wine (61%). There is also one-third red wine (31%) and finally, crémant (8%). The production of rosé is marginal (less than 1% of the total Burgundy wine production).
Puisaye-Forterre: the territory of Campus MaNa
Puisaye-Forterre, located in Burgundy, the land of Colette and Guédelon, is a preserved haven of nature that holds many surprises. This territory, composed of winding small roads, forests, ponds, hollow paths, and exceptional natural spaces classified under Natura 2000, is home to numerous places of historical significance.
Situated in the northern part of Burgundy, about 150 kilometers southeast of Paris, the Puisaye-Forterre region straddles two departments, Yonne and Nièvre. It is a region with preserved landscapes featuring iron, ochre, and water. Puisaye-Forterre is the birthplace of the writer Colette. This entirely rural territory is expressed through the diversity of its landscapes, colors, and the richness of its architecture. It is also characterized by its bocage and hilly landscapes.
Puisaye-Forterre, nestled in a tranquil and human-scale landscape, offers an emotional journey where time holds value and can be reclaimed. This land of reunions, where simple pleasures are celebrated, has inspired creative geniuses, whether they be writers, painters, or potters. Puisaye reinvents its own history by innovating today based on a rich past.
MUST-VISIT PLACES AROUND CAMPUS
We have also compiled a short list of experiences that we think you will enjoy:
Are you interested in wine tasting? Visit Domaine d'Edouard for wine, Les Mauvais Garçons for beer, and L'Ouche Nanon for whisky.
Do you enjoy invigorating walks? Take a hike with a local guide.
Want a bird's-eye view? Embark on a hot air balloon ride in Treigny.
Traveling with children? Visit the educational farm in Saint-Fargeau...
Do you love horses? Meet the equestrian center in Champignelles.
Interested in exploring graphic arts? Visit Métaire Bruyère in Parly.
Looking for vintage items? Visit L'Œil d'Or in Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye and La Recyclerie in either Saint-Amand or Toucy.
Missing the city vibe? Visit Auxerre and its historical monuments.
Want to shop for unique gifts? Head to Les Créacteurs in Saint-Sauveur to discover the works of local artists.
Have you heard of Colette? The house of the famous author is now a museum that offers a comprehensive tour of her works. Musée Colette, Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye.
Are you interested in history? Explore the castles of Saint-Fargeau, Guédelon, and Ratilly.
For more information, visit www.puisaye-tourisme.fr.
MaNa Territory
