The fascinating history of the Romanesque style
The Romanesque churches of the Brionnais
In the Middle Ages, the accession of Cluny was the beginning of a great spiritual frenzy and churches and chapels began to pop up all over the Brionnais country. Little by little, Southern Burgundy was covered in churches, built in the purest of Romanesque styles.
Today, you can admire them by following "Les Chemins du Roman", a road trip that is completely devoted to Romanesque art, and where you can explore some of the secret routes throughout the Brionnais, a small "country" that is very popular with fans of heritage and nature.
"Like a white dress of churches"
The Romanesque churches of the Charolais-Brionnais
Learn about the adventures of the Romanesque-style builders in Burgundy: in the 11th century, the precepts of Cluny Abbey began to spread across the whole of Europe, and to keep up with this new momentum, a number of churches were built in the Charolais-Brionnais. More than 100 in fact! Here is a selection of just a few examples of Romanesque art in Southern Burgundy!
You are bound to be passing close by one of them while you're staying in the region, so don't hesitate to stop by and visit some of them along your way!
A masterpiece of Romanesque art The Basilica of Paray-le-Monial: an unforgettable place
Religious heritage
Eglise romane Saint-Martin-la-Vallée
SEMUR-EN-BRIONNAIS 
Religious heritage
Eglise romane Saint-Hilaire
SEMUR-EN-BRIONNAIS 
Religious heritage
Eglise romane Saint-Marcel
IGUERANDE 
Religious heritage
Eglise romane de Bois-Sainte-Marie
BOIS-SAINTE-MARIE 
Religious heritage
Eglise romane Saint-Pons
BAUGY 
Religious heritage
Église romane Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption
ANZY-LE-DUC 
Religious heritage
Eglise romane Saint-Pierre
MONTAMBERT 
Religious heritage
Eglise romane Saint-Julien
MARS-SUR-ALLIER
It's time to set off on a road trip!
On the "Chemins du Roman" trail
From Paray-le-Monial, there are 3 road trips available on the theme of Romanesque art, and to explore these beautiful creations from the builders of the Middle Ages, you'll be driving along small country roads through the lush green Charolais-Brionnais country.
Each chapel and each church has its very own charm and its own unique characteristics: whether it is thanks to the simplicity of the sculptures on the tympanums and capitals, the themes represented by the sculptures or frescoes, the colour of the stone that varies from white to red, and even shades of ochre, you can expect a brand new discovery and emotions at each one!
Détail du tympan de la collégiale Saint-Hilaire à Semur-en-Brionnais Alain Doire -BFC Tourisme
Vue intérieure de Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption à Anzy-le-Duc Alain Doire -BFC Tourisme
In the autumn
It is without a doubt in the autumn that you should come and explore the region's Romanesque art. Anzy-le-Duc, Saint-Pierre de Brancion and the others all take on a rather mystical appearance when the low-angled autumn light streams in through the windows.
A lesson in art history
The fascinating Romanesque style…
The Romanesque style developed in Europe between the 11th and 12th centuries. How can it be characterised?
- Thick walls which gave the buildings a more robust appearance.
- Very few windows.
- Rounded shapes and very few or no pointed angles (although Cluny Abbey still has pointed arches).
- Façades of bigger buildings are flanked by two big towers
In Burgundy, this influence can be seen throughout the Charolais and Brionnais country: there are more than 100 Romanesque churches here, some of them spectacular, some more humble, some on a village hilltop and some hidden in the woodland.
The quaint little chapel of Saint-Martin-la-Vallée
The Church of Saint-Pierre de Brancion, perched up on a rocky spur
A closer look at a capital of Anzy-le-Duc
The Romanesque clock tower at the Church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul in Montceaux-l'Etoile
How about staying a while longer?
A getaway in the Brionnais
The Brionnais is a little "country" in Southern Burgundy and is a real Land of Cockaigne.
Shades of green, the white of the Charolais cows, and cream (well actually more ochre than cream) on the façades of the many Romanesque churches dotted across the region.
You've understood by now: whether you're interested in nature or culture, a stay in the Brionnais is the promise of a relaxing and easy-going experience.
A weekend in the Charolais-Brionnais
Other treasures of religious heritage
A charming place Visiting Cluny Abbey and the Town
900 years of history Priory Church of La Charité-sur-Loire
A journey into the past Fontenay Abbey: nature, heritage and silence
Ideas for visits Vézelay, an unmissable spiritual and tourist destination
