Religious heritage
We invite you to come and understand and appreciate these historic churches and abbeys such as Cluny, Citeaux, Fontenay, Vezelay.
Burgundy boasts some superb examples of religious art and it would be a shame to miss them. It's not true that when you've seen one church you've seen them all. A Romanesque church, a cathedral and an abbey are all just like beautiful paintings, the artistic nature of them can really take you by surprise.
OUR TOP RECOMMENDATIONS: the very best of religious heritage... in our opinion!
Universal religious heritage
Recognised by UNESCO
In the Middle Ages, Burgundy became a spiritual hotspot for the whole of Europe.
3 major buildings recognised by UNESCO bear witness to this widespread reputation:
- Vézelay demonstrates the importance of the great pilgrimages. This place was listed in 1979.
- La Charité-sur-Loire is a major step on the Way of St. James
- Fontenay Abbey is an example of Cistercian reform. It was one of the very first French monuments to be listed.
Romanesque art
The "Chemins du Roman" trails
Are you a fan of Romanesque art? Then come to Charolais-Brionnais (Saône-et-Loire). This small region boasts no less than 100 buildings in this elegant and understated style!
The Romanesque churches of the Brionnais
Paray-le-Monial
On the trail of Romanesque art, you'll find a little gem with exceptional radiance, the Basilica of Paray-le-Monial.
The Basilica of Paray-le-MonialThe monks' legacy: Cluny and Cîteaux
Burgundy can be proud to have created two prestigious - yet opposing - monastic orders. They both abide by the same rule nevertheless: that of Saint-Benoît.
Cluny Abbey
The greatest spiritual adventure of the Middle Ages! Today, visitors can take a "connected" tour of the abbey, with a tablet.
Cluny Abbey-City
Cîteaux Abbey
A community of Cistercian monks still lives here today. It is open to visitors but tours are limited in order to respect the day-to-day life of the monks.
Visit Cîteaux
