Autun, Vix, Alésia, Bibracteand over 25 sites to explorethroughout Burgundy!

2012 AN EVENTFUL YEARPAGES 12-13

GAULSROMANSAND

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF

WELCOME TO THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF BURGUNDY!

IN BURGUNDY

Publisher: Bourgogne Tourisme – Managing editor: Didier Martin - Design/Production:TempsRéel (Dijon, 21) – Maps: Actual (Saint-Julien-les-Villas, 10) Text credits: Frédéric Sartiaux - Printed by: Estimprim (Roche-lez-Beaupré, 25) January 2012 - ISSN: to be assignedThis brochure was produced with financial support from the Burgundy Conseil régionaland is available free from Bourgogne Tourisme.

CONTENTS04-05BURGUNDY – WHERE CIVILISATIONS COME TOGETHERFrom ancient times Burgundy was a land wherecivilisations from Northern and Southern Europe cametogether, sometimes at peace, sometimes at war…

04 Châtillon-sur-Seine - Treasure of the Lady of Vix05 Alésia, legend and history

06-07TWO DISTINCT URBAN STYLES: GAULS AND ROMANS ‘GO TO TOWN’The powerful Aedui people developed their town at Bibracte,very well organised. But Bibracte sank into oblivion,replaced by Autun…

06 Bibracte, oblivion and rebirth07 Autun, a vision of Rome in Gaul

08-11JOURNEY THROUGH GALLO-ROMAN BURGUNDYYou can learn about Gallo-Roman civilisation in manymuseums and sites throughout Burgundy.

08-09 In the Côte-d’Or and Yonne10-11 In the Saône-et-Loire and Nièvre

12-13GAULS AND ROMANS IN BURGUNDY – DATES FOR YOUR DIARYOrganised activities, guided tours on given theme,exhibitions…

14-15FOLLOW IN THE STEPS OF GAULS AND ROMANSExplore Gallic and/or Gallo-Roman heritage as you go…

16MAJOR EVENTS IN 2012

City of Dijon, capital of BurgundyPriory Church of La Charité-sur-LoireHôtel-Dieu and town of BeauneBasilica and village of Vézelay, gateway to the Avallonnais (townof Avallon, villages of Saint-Père, Montréal and Pierre-Perthuis,Cure and Cousin valleys, Arcy caves,...)Cathedral and synodal palace of SensThe Côte viticole (vineyards) and its emblematic château du Closde VougeotBurgundian Loire (Bec d’Allier, town of Bourbon-Lancy, ...)Solutré rock and the MâconnaisTown of AutunTown of AuxerreTown of Chalon-sur-SaôneTown of JoignyTown of NeversMedieval building site at Guédelon, gateway to the Puisaye(châteaux of Saint-Fargeau and Ratilly, ...)Château of BazochesChâteau of Cormatin, starting point of the southern BurgundyChâteaux tourist route (Sully, Drée, ...)Mont-Beuvray/BibracteThe Morvan (Settons and Pannecière lakes, town of Château-Chinon, ...)Pays Châtillonnais Museum – Vix treasure and town ofChâtillon-sur-SeineLand between Cluny and Tournus, especially:

Cluny abbey,Tournus abbey,

but also: village of Brancion, Chapaize church, ...The Auxois area, especially:

Fontenay abbey,château and village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois,Alésia MuséoParc,village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain,

but also: towns of Semur-en-Auxois and Saulieu, châteaux ofBussy-Rabutin and Commarin, Saint-Thibault church,Buffon ironworks...The Charolais-Brionnais area, especially:

Basilica of Paray-le-Monial,village of Semur-en-Brionnais,Romanesque churches in the Brionnais (Anzy-le-Duc, ...)

Village of Noyers-sur-SereinCanals of Burgundy and their civil engineering structures(Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, …) especially:

canal de Bourgogne,canal du Centre (and river Seille),canal du Nivernais

Renaissance châteaux of the Tonnerrois, Ancy-le-Franc and Tanlay

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UNMISSABLE SIGHTSIN BURGUNDY

General chronologyBurgundian chronology

ca. - 1 000 000 to - 6 000Hunter-gatherers (Palaeolithic)

ca. -400 000 Use of fireca. -300 000 Neanderthal manca. -40 000 Homo sapiens

ca. -20 000 à -18 000 Solutrean

ca. - 6 000 à - 2 200First farmers (Neolithic)

ca. -5 300 First villages (Northern France)ca. -4 500 Villages with ditches and palisades

ca. -4 200 to -3 500 Chassean

ca. -2 200 to -50Bronze and Iron Ages

ca. -750 to -450 First Iron Age (Hallstatt civilization) in whattoday is France

Soon after -500 Tomb of the Lady of Vixca. -450 to -50 Second Iron Age (La Tene culture) in what

today is Franceca. -200 Time of the oppida (fortified hill towns)

ca. -150 to -25 Bibracte-52 Battle of Alésia

-50 à 500Roman Gaul

ca. -38 Via Agrippa – start of constructionca. -12 Founding of Augustodunum (Autun)

395 Roman Empire split: Western Empire (Rome)& Eastern Empire (Byzantium)

5th century Major invasions (Franks, Vandals,Visigoths,… )

ca. 457 The majority of what today is Burgundy (townsof Langres, Chalon-sur-Saône, Autun and Auxerre)incorporated into kingdom of the Burgundiones(capital: Geneva)

476 End of the Western Roman Empire

EXPLORE BURGUNDYIN THE FOOTSTEPS

OF GAULS AND ROMANS

Burgundy’s great archaeological sites are currentlyundergoing a transformation: excellent events andrecreations abound; museums and sites of allsizes, be they famous or not, in town or country,are ready to take visitors as far back in time asthe Palaeolithic.

One of the major stages in this timeline was theRoman conquest of Gaul, enabling a close study ofboth Gallic and Roman civilisations, down to suchdetail as their daily lives and the food they ate.

From ancient times Burgundy established itself asa place where southern peoples encountered othersfrom northern Europe. The region consequentlyboasts a wide range of archaeological finds:from the Palaeolithic hunters of Solutré tothe Gallo-Roman period so remarkably preservedin the monuments at Autun, including the majesticVix vase, a masterpiece of the early Iron age.

Every year new discoveries add fresh detail to ourimage of the past: a famous potter’s workshop, anoutstanding collection of coins, an astrologicalinstrument never before seen, although known tohave existed from texts.

Two thousand years after the battle of Alésiaarchaeology is now open to everyone, with moderntechnology enabling life-size experiments. The pastcan be explored during a hike or cooking workshop,while exhibitions and recreations show it in a wholenew light.

In Burgundy, archaeology is not an outdateddiscipline – here the present fosters and promotesthe past!

04.2011-2012 YEAR OF ARCHAEOLOGY IN BURGUNDY

CHÂTILLON/SEINE.VIX ALÉSIABIBRACTE AUTUNWHERE CIVILISATIONS

COME TOGETHER

BURGUNDY

The Pays Châtillonnais Museum – Vix treasure hasbeen housed since 2009 in Notre-Dame abbey atChâtillon-sur-Seine. With just under 2,000 sq. m.of display space, it is home to rich archaeological

collections bearing witness to theregion’s importance as anancient centre for trade and

exchange. Since the 19th century,many archaeological finds testifyto high quality craftsmanship

and great skill inmetalworking. The

undisputed star ofthe museum is thetreasure of the Ladyof Vix, discoveredin 1953: a princelygrave, ca. 480 BC,

whose centrepiece is an imposing bronze krater, made insouthern Italy and a masterpiece of late Greek art. Standing1.64 m high, weighing 208 kg and with a capacity of 1,100litres, it is the largest ancient bronze vase ever discovered! Thewealth apparent in such a grave attests to the Celticcommunity’s important role in the local tin trade, an essentialelement in the manufacture of bronze.

Tel. + 33 3 80 91 24 67 - www.musee-vix.fr

From ancient times Burgundy was a landwhere civilisations from Northern andSouthern Europe came together, sometimesat peace, sometimes at war. In nobledwellings, such exchanges were rewarding,as shown in the rich tomb furnishings ofthe Lady of Vix. At Alésia, Caesar andVercingétorix met on the battlefield, thussealing the fate of independent Gaul.

© Alain Doire - Bourgogne Tourisme

© Alain Doire - Bourgogne Tourisme

Treasure of the Lady of Vix

CHÂTILLON/SEINE.VIX

The museum also has a rich collection of Gallo-Roman artefacts

See p. 12

Under the eyeof VercingétorixThe site of Alésia is easy to spot thanks to the statue ofVercingétorix – in fact an idealised likeness of Napoleon III –which stands about 15 metres above the Mont Auxois plateau,its eyes seeming to gaze at the battlefield below where life-sizereproductions of the Roman lines are rising from the ground. A little further behind him stands the excavated Gallo-Romantown.

ALÉSIAAlésia, legend and historyThe year is 52 BC. Vercingetorix has taken up position in theoppidum (hillfort) on Mont-Auxois: 80,000 Gauls and 50,000Roman legionaries face each other for a battle whoseoutcome will enable Julius Caesar to incorporate all of Gaulinto the Roman empire. Each side has its own distinctiveway of fighting: Roman order and discipline versus Gallicrecklessness and fervour.Over two thousand years later, archaeological excavationsand aerial photography reveal the extent of works undertakenby Caesar’s forces to prevent Gauls from leaving the hillfortor reinforcements from reaching it. Indeed, the 250,000additional gallic troops were unable to breach the Romanstranglehold, despite many attempts.The din of battle was replaced by a typical Gallo-Romantown, divided into four quarters: religious, administrative,trade and craft. Unlike many other sites, the oppidumcontinued to be occupied.2015 - opening of an Archaeological Museum.

Tel. + 33 3 80 96 96 23 - www.alesia.com

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Plunge into the heart of battleFrom March 26th 2012, at the MuséoParc Alésia, the brand newinterpretive centre designed by architect Bernard Tschumi, you canplunge into the very heart of the fighting between Julius Caesar andVercingetorix, unravel myths surrounding the Gauls, and admire theamazing reconstruction of the Romans’ fortified lines. Ancientobjects, facsimiles, diorama, films, models, interactive terminalsand reconstructed war machines will help you understand whathappened here and its repercussions for the history of France. Anumber of organised activities for children and adults (tours,workshops, re-enactments, etc.) are also available.

See p. 12

06.2011-2012 YEAR OF ARCHAEOLOGY IN BURGUNDY

BIBRACTE

BIBRACTE AUTUNCHÂTILLON/SEINE.VIX ALÉSIAGAULS AND ROMANS

‘GO TO TOWN’

TWO DISTINCT URBAN STYLES:

Bibracte, oblivionand rebirthA town of 200 hectares, surrounded by mightyramparts, with an estimated population of5 to 10 thousand at its peak… Bibracte wasan economic, political and religious centreand reveals much about life in Gaul in1st century BC. It was here that Vercingetorixwas proclaimed leader of the Gallic coalitionbefore the battle of Alesia. However, a fewdecades after the Gallic wars, the inhabitantsdecided to relocate their capital in a placebetter suited to the lay-out of a Roman town.It was called Augustodunum (Autun).Over time even the memory of Bibracte wasforgotten. It was only in the 19th centurythat it was identified as the capital ofthe powerful Aedui.Year after year, excavations revealed strongand ingenious fortifications, monumentaltown gates, public buildings, a central avenuerunning though different quarters … at thevery heart of the Morvan. Below the site, thereis a museum dedicated to Celtic civilisationat the end of the Iron Age. The 1st floor wastotally refurbished in 2011 and the groundfloor will follow in 2013.

Tel. + 33 3 85 86 52 35 - www.bibracte.fr

The powerful Aedui people developed theirtown at Bibracte, admittedly built mainly ofwood and cob, but still very well organised.But Bibracte sank into oblivion, replaced byAutun, a showcase of Romanism.

Antoine Maillier © BIBRACTE

See p. 12

Experimental archaeology …forward march!Every year in May, a troop of Roman legionaries in uniform will crossthe Morvan and Auxois. Why?Because modern archaeology is no longer limited to digging,scraping, diving into oceans and rivers or flying over sites to takenormal or infrared photographs. To gain a better understanding ofthe lives, deeds and habits of our distant ancestors, archaeologyseeks to reproduce them life-size. This is particularly true for theramparts of Bibracte.But buildings and structures are not the only elements of interest.How far could Julius Caesar’s troops march in a day? How did thelegionaries transport their equipment? To try and answer thesequestions, in May 2011 members of Legio VIII Augusta, areconstituted corps based at Autun, walked the historic route fromBibracte to Alésia, for the second year running, having completedthe same walk in 2010 without animals. In 2012, the challenge will beeven greater, as they will also take wagons loaded with siegeweapons.

www.leg8.com

Autun, a vision of Rome in GaulIdeally located at an important crossroads, the townof Autun developed at the end of the 1st century BC,under the aegis of Emperor Augustus. It was anambitious project: to show the excellence of Romanlifestyle through clear and meticulous town planning.Most building was in stone. High walls surroundedwell organised quarters. The theatre, one of thelargest in Gaul, is now the setting for annualhistorical shows which, every summer, bring ancientAugustodunum back to life. The rich collections of theRolin Museum reflect the beauty of this ancient townand the daily life of its people. Beyond the Arroux andSaint André gates, the so-called Janus temple stillfires the imagination, as does the Couhard stone. InAutun history is everywhere – witness the recentdiscovery of a potter’s workshop or treasure trove ofover 100,000 bronze coins …

Tel. + 33 3 85 86 80 38 - www.autun-tourisme.com

AUTUN

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See p. 12

DIJON/MUSEUMOF ARCHAEOLOGY ANDANCIENT REMAINSArchaeological museum in oldabbey of Saint-Bénigne: manyex-votos evoking the healing cultat the sources of the Seine, etc.Blanot Treasure, a celebratedcollection of Bronze agegold/silverware …

Tel. + 33 3 80 48 83 70www.dijon.fr

Remains of ancient town(detailed plan on the façadeof the Fine Art Museum, Place

de la Sainte-Chapelle), sectionof Roman road which ranfrom Lyon to Trier in the Parc de la Colombière.

Tel. + 33 8 92 70 05 58 www.visitdijon.com

AUXERRE/SAINT-GERMAINMUSEUM-ABBEYExtensive Gallo-Romancollections (towns, daily life,religion) grouped together in abbey where Bishops of Auxerre are buried.

Tel. + 33 3 86 18 05 50www.auxerre.com

AVALLON/MUSEUMOF THE AVALLONNAISMuseum best known for itswealth of archaeologicalmaterial from the Arcy-sur-Curesite. Major Gallo-Roman exhibitis the so-called “Venus” mosaic.

Tel. + 33 3 86 34 03 19www.museeavallonnais.fr

ESCOLIVES-SAINTE-CAMILLESite inhabited since the Neolithicperiod. Thermae and remainsof Roman villa.

Tel. + 33 3 86 53 39 09www.societe-archeologique-escolives.com

MIGENNESRestored fragment of a rare, 5th century Gallo-Romanpolychrome mosaic, one of thelargest discovered in northernGaul, on display in the TouristInformation Office.

Tel. + 33 3 86 80 03 70www.ville-migennes.fr

NUITS-SAINT-GEORGESMuseum of History andArchaeology: collections partlyderived from Les BolardsGallo-Roman site (open onEuropean heritage days) andsome extraordinary Merovingianfurniture. Temporary exhibitionevery year.

Tel. + 33 3 80 62 01 37www.ville-nuits-saint-georges.fr

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08.2011-2012 YEAR OF ARCHAEOLOGY IN BURGUNDY

GALLO-ROMANBURGUNDY

JOURNEYTHROUGH

SOURCES OFTHE SEINEOutdoor site near main source ofthe Seine. Very popular place ofpilgrimage, dedicated to goddessSequana. Ex-votos displayed inthe Dijon Archaeology museum.Organised activities in summer.

Tel. + 33 3 80 96 89 13www.source-seine.fr

SAINT-MORÉ / CORA CAMP

Site inhabited since the Neolithicperiod. Fortified outpost defendingVia Agrippa between Lyon andBoulogne-sur-Mer. Several caves,including the Man cave (ossuary,early pottery). 3 discovery trails.

Tel. + 33 3 86 33 44 19coraliger@wanadoo.fr

SAINT-PÈRE-SOUS-VÉZELAYSite with salt water springsexploited from Neolithic periodto Middle Ages (salt, baths).Remains of Gallo-Roman thermae.Museum at Saint-Père.

Tel. + 33 3 86 33 37 31www.saint-pere.fr

SAINT-ROMAINLe Vieux Château site, occupied at16 different stages from Neolithicto year one thousand. Le Vergersite below the cliffs. Permanentexhibition covering Palaeolithic to 19th century, with particularemphasis on Gallo-Roman period.

Tel. + 33 3 80 21 28 50st-romain.arehr@libertysurf.fr

SENSMuseum with extensive collectionsin old Archbishops’ palace, aboveGallo-Roman house from ancienttown of Agedincum. Monumentalstatuary (1st-3rd centuries),gravestones depicting crafts of the time.

Tel. + 33 3 86 64 46 22www.musees-bourgogne.orghttp://ville-sens.fr

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7 MAMMOTHS, HORSESAND FLINT BLADESWell before the first Gauls, man was able to use theresources to be found in our region. There are threesites which have a lot to tell about the very early historyof Burgundy.

ARCY-SUR-CUREtthe mammoth gallery

The ‘Great Cave’ has been frequented since Neanderthalman (-90,000) and has the second oldest cave paintings inthe world (-35,000 to -28,000), after the Chauvet cave inthe Ardèche: pictures of mammoths, bears and rhinoceroshave been dated by means of their creators’ tools.

Tel. + 33 3 86 81 90 63 - www.grottes-arcy.net

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© Arcy-sur-Cure

10.2011-2012 YEAR OF ARCHAEOLOGY IN BURGUNDY

ARLEUF /LESBARDIAUX AMPHITHEATRE Semi-circular, rural theatre (1st - 4th centuries) with about700 terrace seats. Used forperformances but, no doubt,also for public meetings (civicor religious).

Tel. + 33 3 86 85 06 58www.ot-chateauchinon.com

BOURBON-LANCY/LE BREUIL MUSEUMCollection of Gallo-Romanfigurines and clay moulds (1st &2nd centuries) and other objectsfrom local digs. Bourbon potters,amongst the earliest in RomanGaul, exported their products.

Tel. + 33 3 85 89 18 27www.bourbon-lancy.com

CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE/DENON MUSEUMVery rich collections from themany archaeological sites on theSaône: fords, wrecks, old riverports, fisheries, piers of Romanbridges. “Laurel leaves” in Volguflint, characteristic of Solutreanculture (-200,000).

Tel. + 33 3 85 94 74 41www.chalon.fr

CHAMPALLEMENT /COMPIERRERemains of small Gallo-Romantown (1st century BC - 4thcentury AD) beside Roman roadwhich ran from Autun toEntrains in the Compierre woods:forum, 2 temples, buttressesfrom vast amphitheatre,craftsmen’s stalls.

Tel. + 33 3 86 29 07 96www.valdubeuvron.fr

CHASSEY-LE-CAMPSite which gave its name to animportant middle Neolithicculture: Chassean (-4,200to -3,500). Remains ofGallo-Roman shrine (fanum).

Tel. + 33 3 85 87 14 56www.cc-montsetdheune.fr

CLAMECY/ROMAIN-ROLLAND MUSEUMOF ART AND HISTORYVery diverse collections.Archaeological discoveries fromsurrounding area, including thesite at Compierre.

Tel. + 33 3 86 27 17 99www.cg58.fr

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© C. Jachymiak - SEM Alésia

GALLO-ROMANBURGUNDY

JOURNEYTHROUGH

DIGOIN/MUSEUMOF CERAMICSTwo rooms dedicated to ceramicsproduced in Gallo-Romanworkshops at Gueugnon andCoullanges (Allier department).Life-size reconstruction ofancient kiln.

Tel. + 33 3 85 53 00 81www.ccval.fr/musees

ENTRAINS-SUR-NOHAINSmall town arranged in blockswith workshops and housesabove cellars, largeamphitheatre and temples.Archaeological visitor centrewith permanent and temporaryexhibitions (annual).

Tel. + 33 3 86 29 22 06www.entrains-sur-nohain.com

GUEUGNONImportant ceramics centre inancient times (1st century kilns).Museum of Gueugnon Heritagewith wide range ofarchaeological exhibits:figurines, pottery, sigillaryceramics, glassware.

Tel. + 33 3 85 85 56 90

MÂCON /URSULINES MUSEUMRooms depicting history andtown planning of the ancienttown of Matisco and prehistoryin the Mâconnais (Solutré).Weaponry, coins, ceramics,Gallic pottery kiln all illustratelife in the Saône valley fromBronze Age to Gallo-Romanperiod.

Tel. + 33 3 85 39 90 38www.musees-bourgogne.org

MONT DARDONMountain (alt. 506m) betweenthe Charolais and Morvan,occupied at several stages fromNeolithic to Middle Ages.Remains of ramparts of Celticfortified town (oppidum).Viewpoint diagram, hiking trail.

Tel. + 33 3 85 89 18 27www.bourbon-lancy.com

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MAMMOTHS, HORSESAND FLINT BLADESWell before the first Gauls, man was able to use theresources to be found in our region. There are threesites which have a lot to tell about the very early historyof Burgundy.

AZÉoof bears and men

This long cave system at the very heart of the Mâconnaiscontains the largest and most ancient bear ossuarycurrently to be seen in Europe. The site museum is devotedto the history of Azé and the Mâconnais and the presenceof man here since -400,000.

Tel. + 33 3 85 33 32 23 - www.grotte-aze.com

SOLUTRÉmyths and facts

From -35,000 to -10,000, 4 Palaeolithic civilizationsfollowed one another here, indeed one of them is known as“Solutrean”. The discovery in the 19th century of 100,000horse skeletons at the foot of the rock gave rise to the mythof hunting animals into the abyss. The true story of theSolutrean hunters, their incomparable skill at stonecutting, and of prehistory in general is told in a fascinatingunderground museum.

Tel. + 33 3 85 35 85 24 - www.solutre.com

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0UNTIL NOVEMBER 19TH0

Exhibition - archaeologicaldevelopments“Un mystère de - 20 000 ans : la cachette des feuilles de laurier de Volgu”, Denon Museum,Chalon-sur-Saône

0UNTIL NOVEMBER0

Exhibition “La préhistoire expliquéeaux enfants”, Departmental Museumof Prehistory, Solutré

0MARCH0

17/03Reopening of Museum - 1st floorrenovated, European Museum of Celtic Civilisation, Bibracte26/03Public opening of the InterpretiveCentre, the 1st element of theMuséoParc Alésia

0MARCH TO JUNE0

30/03-18/06Exhibition “Casques, épées,boucliers...”, Denon Museum,Chalon-sur-Saône

0MARCH TO NOVEMBER0

Exhibition “Profession archéologue”,European Museum of CelticCivilisation, Bibracte

15/03-15/11Exhibition “Surprise dans la cache...”,Romain Rollant Art and HistoryMuseum, Clamecy

0APRIL0

21/04Gallo-Roman dayEscolives-Sainte-Camille

0APRIL TO NOVEMBER0

Mercredis du musée* (workshops for children 7-12 years old), Pays Châtillonnais Museum - Vix Treasure, Châtillon-sur-SeineLes dimanches en famille*(discovery games, tastings...), Pays Châtillonnais Museum - Vix Treasure, Châtillon-sur-Seine

0MAY0

05-12/05Experimental march Bibracte to Alésia de la Légion VIII Augusta19/058th European Night of Museumsevent

0JUNE0

22–24/063rd Archaeology Days event23-24/06Summer solstice 8th Fabric Fair,exhibition of ancient fabrics andcostumes, workshops, stalls, Bibracte

0JULY0

11/07Cookery workshop “A la recherched’une recette perdue”, Bibracte13-15/07Roman Days, Autun18/07Tour, readings at dusk “Bibracte entre chien et loup”, Bibracte21/07Gallo-Roman aperitif*Escolives-Sainte-Camille25, 27 and 28/07Historical spectacle“Augustodunum, la quête de la paix”,Autun25/07Archaeology film night, Bibracte

0JULY - AUGUST0

Guided tours of museum PaysChâtillonnais Museum - Vix Treasure,Châtillon-sur-SeineAll opening days

0AUGUST0

01 and 22/08Cookery workshop “A la recherched’une recette perdue”, Bibracte01, 03 and 04/08Historical spectacle“Augustodunum,la quête de la paix”, Autun

08/08“Nuit des étoiles“ event, Bibracte15 and 29/08Tour, readings at dusk “Bibracte entre chien et loup”, Bibracte18/08Gallo-Roman aperitif*,Escolives-Sainte-Camille

0SEPTEMBER0

15-16/09 European Heritage days

23/09Fantastic Picnic with music arounda Gallic cauldron, Bibracte

0OCTOBER0

13-14/10“Fête de la Science” event

dates to be decidedLecture cycle“Le vin des Anciens”*,Archaeological Museum, Dijon

0DECEMBER0

09/12Christmas and Winter solstice

market, Bibracte

* advance booking required as number

of places limited.

2012MUSÉOPARCALÉSIAOPENING

12.2011-2012 YEAR OF ARCHAEOLOGY IN BURGUNDY

GAULS AND ROMANSIN BURGUNDY

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYAT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS,THE LIST OF DATES FOR EVENTS WASINCOMPLETE. TO FIND OUT MORE SEETHE WWW.BOURGOGNE-TOURISME.COMWEBSITE. YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT THE SITES AND MUSEUMS WHOSEDETAILS ARE SUPPLIED THROUGHOUTTHE MAGAZINE.

NEW : PASS ARCHÉOAlésia, Autun, Bibracte and the Vix

Treasure offer reduced rates topeople who have already paid fullprice to visit one of these sites.

www.gaulois-romains-bourgogne.fr

“SURPRISE DANS LA CACHE...”Presentation of a metal cache, buried in the 4th century at Chevroches near ClamecyThis exhibition features the objects discovered during a preventive dig which uncovered a previouslyunknown settlement. Amongst the twisted mass of tools hidden in the pit was a zodiacal disk, the only oneso far discovered in the Roman world. It has been expertly restored to reveal three concentric circles of fineGreek script on the surface. The engraved words establish links between the twelve Egyptian months, signsof the zodiac and the twelve Roman months. This mysterious instrument is thought to be a kind of calculator,described in ancient texts but never before seen, used to draw up an astrological chart! Tel. + 33 3 86 27 17 99 – www.cg58.fr

At BIBRACTE archaeology is something you canliterally savour and Le Chaudron restaurantoffers a rare chance to sampling antiquecuisine. As for drinks, there are beers brewedfrom different ingredients to satisfy bothcuriosity and thirst…If you want to eat Gallic meals at home, joinone of the Gallic cookery workshops held in summer.

Tel. + 33 3 85 86 52 35 - www.bibracte.fr

At AUTUN, step back into the past insidea comfortable domus (Roman house) andarouse all your senses: each room has its ownfragrance, furniture,… Be sure to visit thekitchen before sitting down to a meal (everyother week during the summer months).

Tel. + 33 3 85 54 21 66service.patrimoine@autun.com

At DIJON’S ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, there’sa festive ‘grape harvest’ feel to the “Vin desAnciens” lecture-tours held, followed by anintroduction to the flavours of Ancient wines.Just another chance to see that the good life inBurgundy is not a recent development!

Tel. + 33 3 80 48 83 70 - www.dijon.fr

At ESCOLIVES-SAINTE-CAMILLE, on Saturday21st July & 18th August, you can enjoya Gallo-Roman aperitif!

Tel. + 33 3 86 53 39 09www.societe-archeologique-escolives.com

N.B. ADVANCE BOOKING IS ESSENTIALFOR ALL OF THESE GUSTATORYADVENTURES.

Beyond traditional guided tours and lectures, thereare other activities available to children and adultswho would like to ‘have a go’ without becomingserious archaeologists.

AT BIBRACTE- Summer courses for 13-17 year olds, during which they are introduced to a real archaeological site

and the many facets of an archaeologist’s job. Total immersion with the responsibility of “reading aunique book which can only be read once”.

- Archaeology discovery workshops for 6-12 year olds held every Thursday afternoon in July andAugust.

- Adults can sign up for 3 day course in spring, combining archaeology and Gallic cooking.Tel. + 33 3 85 86 52 35 - www.bibracte.fr

AT SAINT-ROMAINAt Saint-Romain discovery sites and teaching sites are available for children over 8, covering digging techniques, reading a landscape and, for the older ones, an introduction to crafts associated with heritage.Tel. + 33 3 80 21 28 50 - st-romain.arehr@libertysurf.fr

IN BURGUNDY, ARCHAEOLOGY IS AS VIBRANT AS EVER AND EVERYONE CAN GET INVOLVED IN HIS/HER OWN WAY.

Did you know?Wine-growing and drinking go a verylong way back in the historyof Burgundy!

- the Vix vase is the centrepiece of awine set

- the Aedui people of Bibracteimported – and redistributed – lotsof wine from Italy

- Traces of vines recently discoveredat Gevrey-Chambertin prove theexistence of Burgundian vineyards– cultivated according to Romanmethods – in mid 1st century AD

- A carved frieze depicting vineleaves at Escolives-Sainte-Camilleremind us of the César grapevariety, still grown in theneighbouring village of Irancy.

No surprise then that it was theGauls who invented the barrel!

ADVENTURE OF ARCHAEOLOGY

TAKE PART IN THE GREAT

LOOK AND LEARNArchaeological museums and sites havedeveloped over 50 educational tours andschool trips based on the Gallo-Romanperiod. To find out more:www.bourgogne-tourisme.com

Eating and drinking the ancient wayLentil terrine, pigeon with cabbage, nettle pasta – the Gauls didn’t just eat wild boar.

© C. Jachymiak - SEM Alésia

GAULSON FOOT, ON HORSEBACK OR BY BIKE:

AFOLLOW IN THE STEPS O

So there are many hiking/riding trailsaround a number of archaeologicalsites, the foremost being

THE BIBRACTE-ALÉSIA TRAILThe track (open to walkers, horse ridersand mountain bikers) runs from theheights of Bibracte to the hillfort ofAlésia, following as faithfully aspossible the route taken byVercingétorix and his troops in 52 BC.It passes through the Morvan forestsand town of Saulieu, a staging postsince ancient times, before crossing theAuxois plain. It is 120 km long andexperienced hikers usually take 6 daysto complete it (based on 7 hourswalking per day).Bibracte-Alésia topo-guide on saleat Bibracte Museum, Maison du Parcdu Morvan and from Côte-d’OrTourisme.

WITH ITS VAST, UNSPOILTNATURAL AREAS AND VARIEDLANDSCAPES, BURGUNDYHAS LONG BEEN A MAJORDESTINATION FORHIKERS/RIDERS.

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In addition, you can explore Gallic and/or Gallo-Roman heritage and many other interestingplaces in Burgundy along half a dozen short distance footpaths managed by the FFRP(Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre).

BATTLE OF ALÉSIA TRAILThis track is 13.5 km long and takes 3½ hours. It runsfrom the medieval village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerainto Alise-Sainte-Reine, along the line of Romanfortifications which once encircled the Mont Auxois.No waymarking.FFRP topo-guide La Bourgogne à pied, route 39.

PATHS AROUND BIBRACTEAt the heart of the Morvan, Bibracte is the idealdeparture point for walks, hikes and rides (set off fromMuseum car park).- BIBRACTE RAMPARTSThis track is 5 km long and takes 1hr 40m. It runsaround the emplacement of Bibracte’s ancientramparts, past the monumental entrance gate(reconstructed) to the Gallic town, then the Wive rock,a place of legends. From the viewpoint diagram at thesummit of Mont Beuvray there are wonderful viewsover the Morvan.Topo-guide La Saône-et-Loire à pied, route 35- BIBRACTE MUSEUM TO LA RIVIÈRE AND LA RIVIÈRE TO

BIBRACTE MUSEUMThese two routes are 17.5 km (4hr 30m) and 11 km(3 hr) respectively. Together they form a round tripbetween Bibracte museum car park and a place calledLa Rivière. They can be completed in 1 day byexperienced walkers or in 2 days, staying overnight incampsite or stop-over gîte. The first route runs alongpart of Bibracte’s ramparts and close to thearchaeological digs; the second runs alongsideLa Rivière and the Argentolle (tributaries of the Loire)and through the village of Glux-en-Glenne.Topo-guide La Bourgogne à pied, routes 22 & 23

ANCIENT COMPIERREBetween Champallement and Saint-Révérien (Nièvre department), a 10 km round trip (3 hr)running along part of an old Aedui track near remains of the small Gallo-Roman town ofCompierre which visitors are free to explore (signposted route, information panels). Topo-guide La Bourgogne à pied, route 5

VIA AGRIPPAUnder Augustus, many great Roman roads were created in the newly conquered Gaul anda number of them can still be identified in the Burgundian countryside. A section of onecan be seen on a 19 km hike (4hr 45m) from Bessy-sur-Cure to Mailly-la-Ville, nearArcy-sur-Cure and Saint-Moré. Topo-guide L’Yonne à pied, route 12

TOUR OF THE MONT DARDONVery little remains of the Celtic hillfort dating from the same period as Bibracte, but a 6.5 km route (2hr 30m) runs around Dardon hill and up to a viewpoint diagram affordingpanoramic views across the Morvan and Charolais-Brionnais. Topo-guide La Saône-et-Loire à pied, route 20

THESE ROUTES AND SHORT TRIPS LEAVING FROM THESE ROUTES ARE DESCRIBED IN THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

- Bibracte-Alésia topo-guide – on sale at: Maison du Parc, Côte-d’Or Tourisme andBibracte

- Topo-guides published by the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre (FFRP)– on sale in bookshops and on www.ffrandonnee.fr

- Morvan topo-guide published by Chamina – on sale in bookshops- “Horse riding in Burgundy” map, published by Bourgogne Tourisme – sent free on

request on documentation@crt-bourgogne.fr

Other brochures available from Bourgogne Tourisme:Tourist map, Cycling in Burgundy, Inland waterways in Burgundy, Wine routes andgourmet trails in Burgundy: documentation@crt-bourgogne.fr

1ST JULY – 31ST AUGUST

PAYS CHÂTILLONNAIS MUSEUMVIX TREASUREGuided tours of museum. Every opening days.

FROM 26TH MARCH

ALÉSIAPublic opening of the Interpretive Centre, the first element of the MuséoParc Alésia.

FROM 17TH MARCH

BIBRACTENew museum displays on 1st floor and temporary exhibition, “Profession archélogue”.

13-15TH JULY

AUTUNRoman Days: three days to immerse oneself in the historyof Augustodunum and learn about the daily life of itsinhabitants, soldiers and gladiators.

Augustodunum © Alain Doire - Bourgogne Tourisme

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EVENTS