Burgundy Festivals – France

Burgundy may be the land of gastronomy and great wines, however it has lots to offer to visitors of all ages and with varied interests.  Below are examples of some of the festivals on the Burgundian events calendar: 

Fleurs de vigne Wine Festival
May 18, 2008 :  Discover the wines of the l’Yonne department. Free tasting and meet the wine growers.  Held at Quais de l’Yonne (along the river) in Auxerre.

Fêtes Médiévales de Semur-en-Auxois
10 – 11 May 2008 :  The pretty medieval town of Semur hosts an annual festival devoted to its historic past. The Frémont Company and Joly’Troup sponsor the Street theatre and taverns are set up throughout the town for the obligatory lusty medieval drinking sessions.

Les Montgolfiades – Chalon-sur-Saone (Hot Air Balloon Festival)
May 10 -12, 2008 : Every year the sky is filled with hot air balloons over Chalon-sur-Saone to herald the start of summer. Balloon enthusiasts from all over Europe, gather at the park Prairie St. Nicholas over the weekend to take to the air. This is a magnificent spectacle as 50 or so multicoloured craft prepare the inflation and drift away with the wind.

Fete de la Batellerie et Pardon des mariniers – Saint-Jean-de-Losne
June 14 – 15, 2008 :  Since 1960, usually on the third weekend of June, sailors have been coming here for the festival of the boats and the boatsmen. Fleets of beautifully decorated boats gather here and a high mass and blessing takes place.  This is followed on by a parade of the boats and a nautical show.

Formula 1 Grand Prix – Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
June 22, 2008 :  If you are in the region and love your fast cars, then you may want to make an effort to attend this event.  The future of Formula 1 at Magny-Cours is uncertain with talks in 2007 that that would be the last year.

The Beaune International Baroque Music Festival
July 4 – 27, 2008 :  For four weekends in July, the Festival presents 4 operas in concert version including the French premières of two recreations of Domenico Scarlatti and Pergolèse, an opera by Purcell and one by Gluck, a series of 5 sacred music concerts, an instrumental concert and 2 recitals.  Beaune has been hosting this most prestigious European baroque opera festival for over 20 years.

Chalon dans la Rue
July 17 – 20, 2008 :  This is the biggest event in Chalon sur Saône.  Each year, on the third weekend in July (Thursday to Sunday), the biggest street theatre festival in France is held in Chalon sur Saône. Many theatre groups use the streets of Chalon as backdrop for their talents. This is a very unique way to discover the city, as many of the shows are held in different parts of the city, allowing the public to discover unknown places in Chalon. If you’re looking forward to a quiet time, you are warned not to visit Chalon at this time!

Festival des Grands Crus de Bourgogne
From May 27 – Sep 14, 2008 :  This is Burgundy’s premier music festival which successfully combines both music and wine to fully titillate your senses. Outstanding jazz, baroque and popular music concerts are held in some of Burgundy’s finest sites. The festival will take place in Chablis, Noyers-sur-Serein, Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault and Cluny.

Spectacle Historique au Chateau de Saint-Forgeau – Saint Forgeau
July 12 to August 23, 2008 :  The historic Saint-Fargeau sound and light show is organised by the friends of the castle of Saint-Fargeau to finance the restoration of the castle.  A historic performance involving more than 700 actors, 60 riders and thousands of costumes for all ages and genres sounds really spectacular.

International Gastronomy Fair – Dijon
Early November annually:  The international gastronomy fair of Dijon is one of the ten most important food fairs in France. With more than 500 stalls it attracts an average of 200,000 visitors and bons vivants who come to taste grand cru wines, eat escargots and savour boeuf bourguignon or oeufs en meurette which are poached eggs cooked in red Burgundy wine. It is said  that Burgundians are truly obsessed with good wine and food, and I’m with them! 

Les Trois Glorieuses – Beaune Wine Auction and Festival
Nov 15 -18, 2008 :  Beaune is of course famous for its hospice which was founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, the chancellor and duke of the Duchy of Burgundy.  It served as a charitable hospital to cater to the needy.  The hospice was also very fortunate to have received bequests of fine vineyards by many rich Burgundians which produces some 225 litres of wine for this annual auction.

Christmas markets in Dijon
Dec. 1 – 24, 2008 :  The start of the Dijon Christmas market marks the commencement of the festive season.  Set at Place de la Libération, it offers a host of over 60 stalls selling local products (spice bread, mustard, foie gras and honey), plus colourful Christmas decorations, children’s toys and mulled wine. Visitors can glide on ice at the skating rink at the Place de la République.

Helen

 

 

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