Flavigny-sur-Ozerain

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If you are touring and visiting the Abbaye de Fontenay and Château de Bussy- Rabutin, a couple of very pleasant hours can be spent wandering around the medieval village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain. This picturesque village, high on a rock, was a fortified town in the Middle Ages. Built of mellow stone, the local inhabitants now take great pride in the preservation and restoration of their village and there are interesting architectural details at every turn. The film 'Chocolat' starring Juliette Binoche was made here, bringing modern day notoriety.

Artists have come to live in the village and there are art galleries and craft shops. In Rue Lacordaire Daniel Algranate, a textile designer runs Maison des Matières du Design Textile. In this lovely old house there is a permanent display, regular exhibitions are staged here and in June, around the Summer Solstice, he organises the Marché Europeen de Tisserands in the village.

If you are an early riser and arrive during the week between 8.30 and 10.30 (with the exception of the month of August), you can visit the aniseed ball factory in the Abbaye de Flavigny. Packed in charming little tins, and easy to tuck into a corner of the suitcase, these make ideal gifts. (The tins are available in many outlets locally if you miss the wake-up call.) This Abbaye, built in the 8C was an important religious centre.

Religion is still prominent in Flavigny today with traditionalists defending their camp against change. At the Monastère St-Joseph de Clairval, a Benedictine order, you might be fortunate to hear Grégorian chants at 11.10 weekdays and 10.10 on Sundays.
Finally, take a walk along the ramparts from Porte du Bourg to the Porte du Val, apparently the popular spot for Sunday processions of priests of different denominations.

Place to eat

• Relais de Flavigny, Place des Halles

Places to visit nearby

• Abbaye de Fontenay
• Château de Bussy-Rabutin
• Semur-en-Auxois
• Alésia (Alise-Ste-Reine)

Also see

• Touring Routes