Flavigny-sur-Ozerain

Click for location

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, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, 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 and regular exhibitions are staged here.

If you are an early riser and arrive during the week between 9.00 and 11.00 from February to November (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 the shop in the village and many outlets locally if you miss the wake-up call.) This Benedictine Abbey, built in the 8C was an important religious centre and it is thought that the monks developed the recipe for Anis de Flavigny.

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.

burgundy holiday homes in Flavigny

• Cottage, sleeps 3, ref: 623260a
• Stone house, sleeps 6, ref: 918151
• Village house, sleeps 8, ref: 575771d

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)

hotels

• Hostellerie d'Aussois*** Semur-en-Auxois
• Le Verger Sous Les Vignes **** Villeferry

Also see

• Touring Routes
  

Pam Elson ©burgundytoday.com