Flavigny-sur-Ozerain
Fairy tale setting with a sweet centre

Beyond the Montbard hills, the picturesque village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain stands atop its rocky spur. Its abbey, narrow medieval streets and ramparts all bear witness to past grandeur. Today it is classed as one of the loveliest villages in France and is famous for making sweets!

A stronghold...

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain was an Auxois stronghold on which the Gallo-Roman period, rise of Christianity in Europe and royal power of the Renaissance all left their mark:

• Julius Caesar was thought to have set up one of his military camps on the hill before defeating the Gallic army at Alésia.
• Medieval walls began to be built in the 8th century around the Benedictine abbey.
• In 1590 king Henri IV set up a parliament at Flavigny-sur-Ozerain to counter hostility in the assembly at Dijon.

...and a picturesque village

The charming narrow streets of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain wind past Medieval and Renaissance houses... today lovingly cared for by their devoted owners.

As you walk around be sure to go into the Abbey of Saint Pierre: recent archaeological activity has uncovered a hexagonal chapel and ambulatory in an extension to the Sainte-Reine crypt.

There's a lovely walk around the ramparts with their machicolated gates and round towers ... affording fine views of the Auxois hills.

Very good goodies

The abbey is the only place where famous Anis de Flavigny sweets are made and it enjoys Site Remarquable du Goût status. The sweets exist in a dozen different flavours, from blackcurrant to violet, and carry on a culinary tradition begun in the time of King Louis IX. The recipe for this natural product has remained unchanged since the 16th century!

In summer the Musicales en Auxois festival of Baroque music takes place in this delightful setting. Did you know that Flavigny-sur-Ozerain and its vineyards were used as the location in 2000 for Lasse Hallström's film "Le Chocolat" (starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp)?

Practical information

The Pays d'Alésia et de la Seine Tourist Information office can arrange for you to include Flavigny-sur-Ozerain as one of the loveliest stages of a history and wine tour. You can visit wine cellars in the Flavigny-Alésia wine-growing area and sample wines from 6 different grape varieties: Aligoté, Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Pinot Beurot, Pinot noir and... César!

Address details

Office de Tourisme du Pays d'Alésia et de la Seine
Place Bingerbrück
21150 Venarey-les-Laumes
Tel. : +33 (0)3 80 96 89 13
E-mail : alesia-tourisme@wanadoo.fr
http://www.alesia-tourisme.net

Opening times

April to September:
 - Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 12.30pm & 2-7pm
 - · Sunday: 10am to 12 noon (July/August)

October to March:
 - Monday to Saturday: 10am to 12 noon & 3-6pm

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