Flavigny

Visit Flavigny, Burgundy

Flavigny (one of the 'most beautiful villages of France') is found 20 km south-east of Montbard. The full name of the village is Flavigny-sur-Ozerain.

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain is a small medieval fortified town, with sturdy walls surrounding the narrow winding streets that weave between the traditional medieval Burgundy houses - some more grand affairs, and others more humble, constructed in the attractive light local stone of the region.

Explore Flavigny

As you set off to walk around Flavigny be sure to explore along the alleys, for that is where you will find much of the hidden charm of this pretty village such as the turreted houses and other medieval architectural features. Flavigny have placed quite a few maps in the streets that highlight where you are, and which houses and features can be seen nearby, which is very helpful in making the most of your visit.

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain is also well known for its religious buildings - above all the church of St Genest and the Benedictine abbey of Saint Pierre:

- the Abbey of Saint-Pierre was founded in 717 and occupied from the early Middle ages until the French Revolution. In the 1840's the monks were able to return, to a rebuilt portion of the abbey. No longer in use the abbey has a small crypt where you can see various related artefacts (free entry).

- the Church of Saint Geneste represents the centre of Flavigny, has impressive carved stalls and a 12th century carving of the Madonna.

Other places of interest to note in the village include the Maison du Donataire and the formidable entry gates, part of the towns medieval fortifications.

Flavigny was almost completely deserted when I visited in September and has little in the way of facilities, so is presumably not a major part of the Burgundy tourist trail. Curious, because it has one of the most extensive unspoiled medieval centres I have seen.

Flavigny is also known for its aniseed balls, which are produced in the town in a small enterprise next to the old abbey - you can smell the aniseed in the air as you get close! It is possible to visit the factory to see how aniseed is produced (9.00-10.45 Monday to Friday, closed weekends, bank holidays and the first three weeks of August, so visits need to be timed carefully!)

Another interesting fact: the popular film 'Chocolat' was largely shot in Flavigny.

Attractions nearby

Two particular highlights close to Flavigny that we recommend you visit are the Abbey at Fontenay and the small market town of Semur-en-Auxois.

Photos of Flavigny (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Flavigny: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages); Flavigny falls within the Pays d'art et d'histoire de l'Auxois region

Suggested places to visit near Flavigny, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Chateauneuf-en-Auxois 34km; Morvan Regional Park 34km; Saulieu 34km; Montreal 37km; Chatillon-sur-Seine 40km; Ancy-le-Franc castle 40km; Dijon 44km; Noyers-sur-Serein 45km; Avallon 47km; Tanlay castle 50km; Nuits-Saint-Georges 52km; Tonnerre 56km; Beaune 59km; Vezelay 59km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Flavigny

Flavigny tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Alesia - grand site of france (4km) : Potager du château de Lantilly - remarkable garden (12km) : Abbaye de Fontenay - remarkable garden (18km) : Abbaye de Fontenay (Montbard) - religious monument (19km) : Jardin du moulin de Athie - remarkable garden (22km) : Parc et jardin du château de Barbirey sur Ouche - remarkable garden (33km) : Basilique de Saint Andoche (Saulieu) - religious monument (34km) : Abbaye de la Bussière - remarkable garden (36km) :

French version: see Flavigny (Francais)