Peaceful, rural Burgundy, called Bourgogne in French, is one of the most prosperous regions in France. Famous for its fine wines, Burgundy is home to Pommard, Meursault, Chablis, Pouilly-Fuisse, and a long list of other well-known names.

In the medieval city of Beaune visit the Hôtel Dieu, a flamboyant Flemish/Gothic charity hospital built after the devastating Hundred Years War and the college of Notre Dame, built in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Dijon features the Palace of Dukes, which today houses the museum of fine arts. Sometimes called "Le Petit Louvre" because of its extraordinary collections, it houses works ranging from medieval to renaissance to impressionist.

Anchoring the center of France is the Massif Central, a rugged plateau of ancient granite and hardened lava, punctuated by volcanic peaks and deep river gorges. This is the land of Auvergne, a region of natural beauty and dramatic landscapes.

A major natural monument in Auvergne is the Puy de Dome. This extinct volcano rising to 4,807 feet, provides visitors breathtaking views of the Puy mountain chain and the green plains below.

Today, Auvergne boasts some of France's most beautiful Romanesque churches, medieval castles and Renaissance era palaces. The first cathedral to be built, in present day Clermont-Ferrand, was erected in 450 AD, and rebuilt in the Gothic style at the beginning of the thirteenth century. In the medieval town of Montpeyroux, one of the most beautiful villages in France, artisans can be found practicing their ancient crafts in an authentic fortress tower.

While here don’t forget the renowned blue cheeses, Fourme d'Ambert and Bleu d'Auvergne. CONTACT