Spring 2012: explore Alésia
The year of archaeology

In 2011-2012 Burgundy is adopting a ground-breaking approach to History - cave paintings, ancient shrines, the chance to sample Gallic cooking while finding out about Roman influences in the region. Sandals on, we're off the to Gaul!

Start with some unusual places

Alongside the river Yonne, Sens Museum is a veritable treasure house. Of particular interest are the carved stone collection and Gallo-Roman villa!

Just off the N6 road, deep in the earth, you will find the caves of Arcy-sur-Cure with their galleries, vast chambers and subterranean lakes. This major centre of prehistoric art has some of the oldest cave paintings in the world.  Near Vézelay refresh yourself at the Fontaines-Salées, salt water springs which were used as thermal baths in the 2nd century.

Near Vézelay refresh yourself at the Fontaines-Salées, salt water springs which were used as thermal baths in the 2nd century.

Move further into the past

On the D971 road, at Châtillon-sur-Seine, you can see the standing stones and oppidum (fortified town) of Mont Lassois. Don't miss the Pays Châtillonnais museum, with its famous Treasure “of the princess” of Vix and the Source of La Douix, a place of worship in Celtic times.

Near the Canal de Bourgogne, set foot on the soil of Alésia, scene of Vercingetorix's defeat, where truth and legend live side by side. The Muséoparc recreates Gallo-Roman life with a visitor centre, archaeological museum, discovery trail and educational activities.

At the source of the river Seine there's a grotto and nymph. Intrigued? See if you can spot the remains of the Gallo-Roman temple...

"Set foot on the soil of Alésia, where Vercingetorix was defeated and truth and legend live side by side"

Continue with the ancient capital of the Aedui

At the heart of the archaeological site of Bibracte combine exciting discoveries and gastronomy. Budding archaeologists can roll up their sleeves and get cooking in the Introduction to Gallic cooking workshops. Some rather unusual flavours await!

End in a town of artistic and historical interest

To the west of Beaune, Autun boasts France's best preserved surrounding wall. Don't miss the two monumental gates, the enigmatic Temple of Janus, Roman amphitheatre and Rolin museum in the upper town. Back to the very roots of French history...