Burgundy (historical region)
Burgundy, known as Bourgogne in French, is a historical region located in east-central France that became part of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté administrative region in 2016. This area, rich in history and culture, consists of eight departments divided between Burgundy and Franche-Comté, with Dijon serving as the capital. Historically, Burgundy was home to ancient Celtic tribes and later became significant during the rise of the Burgundians, who established a powerful kingdom in the early medieval period. Over time, the region faced various conquests and territorial changes, ultimately being annexed by France in the late 15th century.
Today, Burgundy is renowned for its exceptional wine production, particularly in the Côte d'Or department, where famous vineyards like Nuits-Saint-Georges and Meursault thrive. The region's climate and varied geography, including rivers and forested areas, contribute to its appeal for outdoor activities such as hiking and water recreation. Franche-Comté, bordering Switzerland, is recognized for its cheese-making, particularly Comté cheese, and other industries influenced by Swiss culture. Overall, Burgundy represents a blend of historical significance, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in French history and gastronomy.
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Burgundy (historical region)
Burgundy, known as Bourgogne in French, is a former administrative region and province in east-central France. In 2016, Burgundy officially became the province of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, combining with Franche-Comté as part of the reorganization of France's provinces from twenty-two to thirteen. The area has a combined eight departments, with Burgundy and Franche-Comté having four each. The capital of Burgundy and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region is Dijon. Throughout the years, Burgundy became a rich and powerful area coveted by France, which eventually gained control over the region. Franche-Comté was part of historical Burgundy until the two became separate territories. Into the twenty-first century, Burgundy remains well known for its wine and is one of France's largest wine-producing regions, while Franche-Comté is known for its Swiss influence and speciality cheeses.
Brief History
The ancient Celtic tribes were one of the first inhabitants of the Burgundy region. These tribes were not known for documenting their achievements so not much was known about them, but they did leave a lasting impression on the area passed down through oral tradition. Evidence showed that they appeared during the prehistoric Iron Age and were known for metalworking. They remained in the area from about 1200 BCE until the Roman conquest in 52 BCE.
A Germanic people known as the Burgundians settled the area after the collapse of the Roman Empire. In 411 CE, this group established the Kingdom of the Burgundians in the area of Worms (a city in modern-day Germany). The Burgundians then endured several clashes with the Romans and Huns, and the Kingdom of the Burgundians extended to areas of what became modern Switzerland, France, and Italy.
The Franks defeated the Burgundians in 534, and the kingdom became part of the Frankish empire at this time. The Franks ruled the area for the next few centuries until the dissolution of the Frankish empire in the seventh century. The end of the Frankish empire marked the beginning of modern Burgundy. By the 880s, four regions of Burgundy existed: the Kingdom of Upper Burgundy (also called Transjurane Burgundy) located near Lake Geneva; the Kingdom of Lower Burgundy in Provence; the Duchy of Burgundy located to the west of the Saône River; and the Free County of Burgundy located to the east of the Saône River.
In 937, Upper and Lower Burgundy merged. Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II took control of the area in 1032, and it became part of the Kingdom of Arles. King John II of France gave his son the Duchy of Burgundy during the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453). Over the next few decades, the duchy became powerful and wealthy as the dukes expanded the region's territory from Switzerland to the North Sea. The area also saw Christian influence with the construction of several abbeys and numerous churches.
France soon viewed the duchy as a threat and warred with the area. During the Battle of Nancy of the Burgundian Wars (1474–1477), French troops killed the duke of Burgundy. The country then annexed the Duchy of Burgundy in 1477 and made it the province of Burgundy. France continued to control Burgundy in the centuries that followed.
The Free County of Burgundy went through several periods of independence and rule by others such as the Holy Roman Empire and Spain. It eventually was incorporated into France as Franche-Comté in 1678 under the Treaties of Peace of Nijmegen. In 2016, France reorganized its provinces and merged Burgundy with Franche-Comté to form Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. This union reunited the historic regions of the Free County of Burgundy and the Duchy of Burgundy.
Overview
Burgundy and Franche-Comté are located next to each other in the central-eastern part of France, which made the reorganization ideal geographically. Burgundy is on the west side, while Franche-Comté is located on the east side of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Franche-Comté shares its eastern border with the country of Switzerland. Centre-Val de Loire borders the west side of Burgundy. Grand Est lies to the north and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is located south of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Bourgogne-Franche-Comté also shares a northwest border with Île-de-France.
Burgundy has an area of about 12,200 square miles (31,600 square kilometers) and a population of about 1.6 million people. Franche-Comté has an area of about 6,300 square miles (16,200 square kilometers) and a population of 1.1 million people. Burgundy consists of the four departments of Côte d'Or, Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, and Yonne. Its capital city is Dijon, which is also the capital of the entire Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Franche-Comté has the four departments of Doubs, Haute-Saône, Jura, and Territoire de Belfort. Its capital city is Besançon.
Burgundy is well known for its wine regions located in the south and near its capital. Benedictine monks of Cluny are credited for introducing the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes to Burgundy. Some popular wine regions include Nuits-Saint-Georges, Meursault, and Beaune. The department of Côte d'Or is especially noted for its wine and is split into two areas based on the type of wine produced in each. Côtes de Nuits is known for its red wines, which are considered some of the best in the world and most coveted. Côtes de Beaune produces mostly white wines. Burgundy has several rivers, canals, and waterways running through it, making the region noted for its water recreation. It also boasts forested areas with nature trails and animal reserves.
Franche-Comté borders Switzerland and is greatly influenced by the country's architecture, cuisine, and culture. Franche-Comté is noted for its cheese-making industry, with its Comté cheese—similar to Swiss Gruyère—the most popular of its offerings. It also has profitable watchmaking and eyeglass industries. Franche-Comté's wet summers make much of the region green compared to other areas that dry up from the heat of the summer. This makes it popular with campers and hikers. In the winters, its east coast offers skiing.
Bibliography
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