Cities and regions of art and history Discovery tour of the region

Let us tell you the story of the Char lais Bri nnais region View of the Mont Dardon, forming the Crinoidal limestone (marine fossils), of a southern flank of the Morvan range. yellowish ochre hue, is one of the area’s characteristic materials.

Rolling hillsides Natural borders To the north and east, small mountains vary in elevation The River plain traces Impressive geological from 500 to 800 m. These natural the territory’s western border. diversity defensive sites were the scene To the east, the slopes of the The hilly Charolais-Brionnais of early human occupation, in Monts du Charolais serve as a landform stems from a series several instances like the Mont separation from the Clunisois of geological phenomena (fault Dardon dating back to the Iron and Mâconnais regions, while lines, thrusting, collapses, erosion Age. Also on the eastern side the relief of the Morvan and and deposits) altering an initially are the Butte de Suin hilltop, Massif Central ranges enclose varied substratum: magmatic the Horn of Artus and Dun the Charolais-Brionnais on its rocks (granite) in elevation to Mountain, all having been northern and southern flanks. the north and east; sedimentary fortified with some constructions Between plain and hilltops, rocks (sandstone, limestone, known to be built in Ancient at the centre of this region marl and clay) on plateaus and in times. This hilly relief served for a lies an expansive plateau with valleys; and carbonaceous rocks long time to isolate the territory, valleys formed by flowing Loire found in the coal belt between particularly from the Saône tributaries. the and Rivers. From very early on, these River Valley to the east, the main

Landscapes Charolais-Brionnais country offers one charming lands - from cape after another: rolling hills to lush valleys, From forests to fertile man since the pasturelands shaped by 18th century. materials provided a resource trade corridor between and for man and aided in developing Dijon. Today, it offers superb dwellings and activities. panoramic views. View from atop the Dun Mountain, with Site of Le Petit Fleury, on the Loire’s banks in View of local area pastureland. its 12th-century chapel and the Mussy- Bourbon-Lancy. sous-Dun viaduct, crossing the Mussy Valley, a tributary of the Sornin.

A region where water Famous pastureland In Charolais-Brionnais country, flows freely The Charolais-Brionnais, most hedgerows are formed by ’s longest river (running renowned for cattle farming, various thorny shrubs (nettle, 1,013 km), the Loire adds identity features a remarkably well- rose bushes, hawthorn, briar to the territory and opens access preserved landscape of pastureland and sloe), bay trees (gooseberry, to the west. Considered Europe’s The interior of the Charolais- laid out in a pristine mosaic elderberry, honeysuckle) and an last free-flowing river, the Loire Brionnais region has been of prairie parcels bordered by array of bushes. Sometimes hed- undergoes abrupt variations in moulded by Loire tributaries on hedgerows. The area’s celebrated gerows are planted along low dry both its riverbed and flow rate the river’s right bank: Arroux, hedges delimit property stone walls or abut breezeblock from one season to the next. , Sornin and Somme. boundaries and confine herds to construction of myriad sizes While this natural dynamic Other streams meander through their designated fields, in addition and shapes assembled without complicates waterway navigation, the territory, like the Bourbince to providing biological functions binder and topped by a layer of it yields an amazing diversity of whose valley has carved a path to (habitat for protected European small stones leaning against one scenery (shores, prairies, forests the Saône and is now used by the species of insects, birds and another. and marshland), which in turn and the Central rodents), physical functions (soil produces habitat for flora and Europe-Atlantic Highway. consolidation, wind protection, fauna unique in Europe. water flow regulation) and landscape amenity. Museum of AreaMuseum ofGueugnon Heritage. in Quininum (Gueugnon)in Quininum around the2 produced wareExample ofSamian pottery or 3 rd rd

A region evolving over AD,century ondisplay at object the the centuries Like its landscapes, Charolais-Brionnais’ history has been shaped in large part by residents, but also by its geographic position and natural advantages. practiced. Colonne, since disappeared) were craftsand (Gueugnon local and spa treatments (Bourbon-Lancy) developmenturban type where estatesagricultural and (villas) an by dividing into territory the Roman occupation proceeded initiated Wars. Gallic the The battlethe of Bibracte, which to Julius Caesar’s at victory Helvetian invasion, leading Rome’s help inresisting the requested they In 58BC, a large of descent. Celtic tribe was inhabited by Eduen people, territory the when century BC are more tangible as of 5th Traces of human occupation rare inCharolais-Brionnais. Volgu, prehistoric vestiges are Except for flintfrom specimens The Eduens andRomans nd

Lefèvre from Saint-Rémy, 15 Fleece, decorated manuscript, Jean Equestrian Armorial oftheGolden Scenes from Charolais County, Great National ofFrance. Library th century, granddaughter Béatrix. a county and offered it to his countryside, where up he set and by purchasing Charolais the , Semur and representatives, towns inthe of power by installing bailiffs, or tightened Duke the his grip on Lancy. century, 13th the During Semur, Digoine and Bourbon- figuresthese werethe Sires of or Kings the of France. Among either of Dukes the direct or indirect vassalsof lords, squires or barons, whether hands of multiple small-time of Southern Burgundy lay inthe duke or evenaprince.» Control land«Our is without aking, or a Venerable, ’s abbot, wrote: Around 1140,Pierre the From thetimeoflords… 1109, duringtheheight oftheorder’s glory. ofCluny abbot from was 1049toSemur thesixth serving Solesmes, Hugues, 1888.Saint sonofDamastheFirst of manuscript, Life Hugues, ofSaint L’Huillier DomA., inaraised onadecorated cap Robert Hugues andMonk Germain-en-Brionnais. houses of and Anzy-le-Duc Saint- disappeared) and priory the Saint-Rigaud Abbey (since Mâcon, that took hold inthe by bishops the of and a resistance movement, led in 1056.Cluny’s power sparked monastery for women opened in , first the Cluny Charolles and Paray-le-Monial; in Bourbon-Lancy, , through houses founded priory established its pre-eminence network, nearby the Cluny Abbey over parishes. Within local this territory, inexercising control were built and dotted the a vast network of monasteries century, 10th inthe Beginning … andmonks The Mill Tower in Portrait of Elisabeth-Alexandrine de Breeders participating at the earthenware selection Marcigny, a 15th-century Bourbon-Condé, known as Mademoiselle of agricultural competition in workshop, employing up to 1,700 fortified construction, Sens (1705-1765), oil on canvass, painted by Charolles, beginning of the 20th personnel, photograph from the today used as a Jean-Marc Nattier, 18th century, Château de century, postcard, Departmental beginning of the 20th century, private museum. Versailles. Charolais’ last countess, she resold Archives. collection. the work to the Crown in 1761 in exchange for the Palaiseau plot. A land of cattle breeders Amidst torment … and the Franco-Spanish and skilled labourers surrounding the Hundred battles The marketing of Charolais This mainly rural territory has beef cattle (used in the past as a Years’ War… Louis XI annexed the Duchy of experienced substantial industrial pulling force) for its meats, on In 1337, the King of England Burgundy in 1477 after the death development. Jean-Hector de Fay, the Lyon and Paris markets, has declared war on the throne of . The marriage helped open the local economy a high-ranking French military of France. Beginning in 1411, of Charles’ granddaughter, to the exterior. The famous 17- officer, had forges installed in the conflict widened with civil Marguerite of Austria, to the day journey made by Emiland Gueugnon as early as 1724. war between the Armagnac future Charles VIII was intended Mathieu of Oyé and his herd to the and Burgundian factions, in to calm tensions between Ceramic plants were located in Poissy market in 1747 serves as a addition to roaming armed bands the King of France and the Charolles (Prost earthenware poignant testimonial. The region under the banners «Routiers» Habsbourg family, heirs to the factory in 1844), Digoin (the remained specialised in cattle and «Ecorcheurs». Against this Duchy. The 1493 annulment of breeding during the 19th and Sarreguemines plant in 1875 after tumultuous backdrop, Charolais- this wedding however returned 20th centuries. The north-eastern annexation of Alsace-Lorraine Brionnais held a coveted strategic the Charolais to the Habsbourg’s section traditionally handles by ), Paray-le-Monial border position for the Duke (who would become the royal calving, while the south focuses of Burgundy. Cities like Paray- family of ), and it remained (Charnoz, in 1877), Marcigny on feeding (fattening) the animals. le-Monial, Bourbon-Lancy, their property until 1684. After (Emile Henry factory in 1850) The Charolles Agricultural Society Marcigny and Charolles built the cessation of Franco-Spanish and . Mining activity was (founded in 1880), followed by or rebuilt their fortifications. hostilities between 1635 and the «Herd-Book» (1887) and ongoing in La Chapelle-sous- Fortresses were erected during 1659, the county was then «Charolais Beef» AOC quality Dun from 1809 until the 1960’s. this period, like the transferred to the Bourbon- appellation (2010), sets guidelines Moreover, has been Castle built in 1380 by Philibert Condé family and would be de Lespinasse, a loyalist to the merged in 1761 back into the for this activity. a centre for the textile industry Duke. Kingdom of France. since 1740. A wide array of noteworthy (12 ambulatory Basilica Panoramic view oftheParay-le-Monial sites

From Romanesque churches to industrial facilities, from castles to rural and local heritage, Charolais- th

Brionnais boasts a great diversity of architectural century). styles. 11 designate Medieval from art the appeared 19 inthe The «Romanesque»term first houses and priory churchesRomanesque storey bay openings. light streaming in through three- apse with delicate supports, and nave, window raised openings, single-barrel21-m high vaulted building techniques with its: abreakthroughheralded in architectural masterpiece, Paray-le-Monial, region’s this of in basilica The art. Gothic quest would to advent lead the penetrate interior. the This enablingwhile more light to cover (or vault) stone edifices characterised by adesire to inreligiousperiod architecture th and 12 th centuries, i.e. the Duc churchDuc (12 Capital sculpted into thenave at theAnzy-le- th centuryto th century). of openwork. distinct for multiple their levels Châteauneuf steeples are quite large. The Anzy-le-Duc and outside, tower bell the looms architecturalthis Onthe period. century), provide asynthesis of recent constructions (mid-12 Semur-en-Brionnais, more both and collegiate the church in Anzy. The church in Issy-l’Evêque chapels inParay, in crypt the an ambulatory and radiating to anumber of renovations: pay homage to relics, has led pilgrims, on to itinerary their vaults. The hosting of spiritual windowsthanks to tall and rib Thelayout in is litAnzy-le-Duc and covered by abarrel vault. darkened (devoid of windows) In , nave the is have undergone experimentation. Various architectural solutions th

magnificent creation. artistic effectivelyalso demonstratethis andAnzy-le-Duc Iguerande fine detail, thecapitalsand at Chassenard, featuring extremely Julien-de-Jonzy, Charlieu or tympanums on churches inSaint- motion, bristles with life. The showing twelve the apostles in lintelportal inMontceau-l’Etoile, elaborate expressiveness. The is often counterbalanced by an The naive sculpture thestyle of and atopportals column capitals. tympanumsthe and lintels above sculptedtheir decor, highlighting recognition for opulence the of churchesSeveral have gained century), appearedcentury), later Avoye Clayette ChapelinLa (15 few specimens, like theSainte- of Romanesqueedifices. The thequality when observing widespread locally, especially architecture isnot Gothic th

View of the Semur-en-Brionnais dungeon Digoine Castle (18th century). Facade of the Paray-le-Monial town hall (around 1525).

A selection of other As of the 17th century, nobility noteworthy architectural From medieval migrated to cities and settled achievements fortresses… into manor houses while their The Paray-le-Monial town hall The church spire is rivalled on … to residential castles rural castles, occupied exclusively building, formerly known as the the horizon by the great tower of As of the 15th century, the during hunting and harvesting Jayet House, displays a sublime the lord’s castle, built on raised defensive nature of castles gave seasons, became holiday facade (1525-1528), signifying earth or a site that took advantage way to a residential purpose. residences. Among these edifices, the transition between French of a natural line of defence. Over th th The opening of large mullion the Chaumont Castle (16 -19 Gothic and Italian Renaissance. 100 medieval fortified sites have bay windows with decorative centuries) in Saint-Bonnet-de- An immense brick and stone been inventoried throughout latticework reflects the search Joux, along with those in Drée structure, the Aligre Hospital in the territory. A number of th th for light and comfort. Special (built in the 17 century by the Bourbon-Lancy (19 century) outstanding vestiges provide attention was paid to the sculpted Dukes of Lesdiguières), Saint- provides the most interesting glimpses of this past glory: the facade work, as exemplified at the Aubin-sur-Loire and Digoine local example of the hospital Semur-en-Brionnais castle with Lord’s residence in Montperroux (the 18th-century neoclassical genre. Other impressive works its powerful square tower (10th- (not open to the public), famous work of the architect Edme include the Art Deco post office 11th centuries) classified as the for its mouldings, pediments Verniquet), are all remarkable in Digoin (1935) and Charolles’ first type of stone dungeon built; and masks, showcases a rare specimens. The northern facade Maupré Viaduct, lauded for its and ruins of the 13th-century Renaissance style in Charolais- of the La Clayette Castle stands as integration into the landscape Commune castle (Martigny- Brionnais. a perfect testimonial of a marked and whose innovative concrete le-Comte), composed of a preference for the neo-Gothic and steel deck drew world-wide quadrangular enclosure flanked style that first appeared in the attention when inaugurated in by four corner towers. 19th century. 1987. Half-timbered house in Marcigny (on the Portrait of Louise of Lorraine (1553-1601), Digoin canal bridge, 1832-1836. Impasse de la boucherie). wife of Henri III, drawing, anonymous, 16th century, National Library of France. From 1580 to 1583, the queen spent long periods at Bourbon-Lancy to take the waters and treat Settlements built around her sterility. A source there was even named «the Queen’s source». castles and monasteries Once the Loire was no longer used commercially, Digoin During the Middle Ages, the «Water» towns location of a castle or monastery The city of Bourbon-Lancy is benefitted from its connection adjacent to communication known for its eclecticism. Below Positioned on the banks of the with Chalon and the Saône routes often incited urban the castle compound, the spa Loire, Bourbon-Lancy had River via the Canal du Centre, development (Charolles, district began to develop as of constructed a commercial port in built by the engineer Emiland Bourbon-Lancy, Paray-le- Gallo-Roman times around the hamlet of Le Fourneau. But Gauthey from 1783 to 1793. Monial and Marcigny), where the hot water sources (approx. ultimately Digoin, at the junction The next expansion was aided a prosperous merchant class 50°C), recognised for their high of three confluences, would by the trading routes created in sodium chloride content and thrived. The medieval town be favoured by this location, 1838 when linking the Canal used today to treat rheumatism layout has been preserved: in becoming an economic and du Centre with the - Paray-le-Monial and Marcigny, and cardiovascular problems. urban hub starting in the 17th to-Digoin Canal and the Loire characteristic land use patterns The ancient spa (discovered from century by virtue of trade routes Diversion Canal, which allowed have remained intact, with a description left by Dr. Aubery for raw materials and farming reaching the Seine via the Canal narrow lanes-gutters running in the 17th century) was replaced and industrial goods produced de Briare. The Digoin canal through their centres. Marcigny by the 19th-century buildings is home to the most spectacular currently onsite. The resort locally. To navigate safely along bridge (1832-1836), an amazing composition of half-timbered enjoyed its Golden Age during the Loire, merchant sailors structural feat, made it possible houses. These towns had been the 16th century when the King used flat-keeled boats, or light for the Diversion Canal to cross protected by fortified enclosures visited. Nowadays, some 3,000 barges. Nonetheless, navigational the river. Waterway trade has and still offer a few remnants come here annually to take the difficulties along the river led to since been replaced by nautical following dismantling in the 18th waters. a steady decline in Loire shipping tourism. and 19th centuries. activity. Rose window on the Paul Charnoz factory Lime kilns in Vendenesse-lès-Charolles (CMH, View of Gueugnon, an industrial centre building, composed of 4,256 ceramic tiles and in 1998) and their powerful brick chimneys located amidst the region’s pastureland. gold medal winner at the 1900 World’s Fair, Paul (19th century). Charnoz Museum.

These industrial activities have left a deep imprint on the territory. Industrial heritage Museums Paul Charnoz in Paray- The area’s industrial heritage Industry has helped forge le-Monial, of ceramics in Digoin, can also be observed in urban Charolais-Brionnais’ identity. the Charolles Priory House and formations associated with more Charolles should be added to The activities promoted here Palinges’ museum all showcase intense activity and an influx this list of «water» towns. Its have been heavily tied to local local ceramic objects. The Chauffailles weaving museum and of labour. Beginning mid-19th modern name stems from the resources and are responsible for Plassard’s textile mill in Varenne- century, the idea of company Celtic «Kadrigel», translated as the region’s renown beyond its sous-Dun both have old looms for towns, developed according to «water fortress». The ancient city, borders. Some of its output has spinning and weaving on display a grid pattern and composed located at the confluence of the achieved international notoriety, and in working order. Puzenat such as the Charnoz mosaics of single-family dwellings Arconce and its tributary the machines are held in collections (award winners at the 1889 and (often resembling row houses) Semence, was encircled by water. curated by the City of Bourbon- 1900 World’s Fairs), Puzenat’s or traditional multi-family Its houses overlooked the canal- Lancy. In the architectural realm, residences, was being applied to lined rivers, and its many bridges farm machinery (honoured in the Van de Walle textile factory meet the housing needs of factory and footbridges earned Charolles 1878 and several prizes awarded in Chauffailles offers a handsome workers. The districts of Gachères the nickname «Burgundy’s little during the 1920’s), earthenware illustration of the industrial in Gueugnon, La Brierette in Venice». from Charolles, Emile Henry «palace» with its imposing cookware, and stainless concrete and glass facade, while Digoin, Saint-Denis in Bourbon- steel plates produced at the the lime kilns in Vendenesse-lès- Lancy and the PLM and Cerabati Gueugnon plant (world’s leading Charolles and their intimidating complexes in Paray-le-Monial are manufacturer). brick chimney are among the last among the finest examples. ones preserved in France. View of the village of Oyé. Typical Charolais farm in . The outbuildings (stables, hangar for hay carts) and residence were built together abutting one another and combined under the same overhanging roof.

Town hall-school buildings Village life Combined into parishes that While the first villages resulted depended on lordships under Houses and farms : A from clustering farmers and The region’s pattern of extensive pre-Revolutionary rule, village building hierarchy tradesmen to better coordinate land holdings, which was communities were granted A classification of rural habitat, the status of municipality after agricultural work, settlements still predominant during the correlated with the different the Revolution and in the 19th in the Charolais-Brionnais 19th century especially in the social conditions, can indeed be century built town halls, followed are characterised by dispersed Charolais sector (where 50% drawn up. The leading category by public schools once the 1833 dwellings, consisting of of farmland is owned by 1% of is the large isolated farmhouse, and 1878 laws were enacted. A isolated farmhouses. This the population), did not favour associated with an expansive total of 1,215 buildings, often phenomenon can be explained increased density. In 1850, housing both administrative agricultural holding, typically far by the abundance of water Autun’s Deputy Prefect compared and educational functions, were from the road and only accessible sources, which did not convince the region with Ireland. Even recorded in the department’s by dirt path. The buildings households to cluster, and by the though some types of local construction archives between and residence are configured layout of hedge-lined pastures contracts (tenant farming, 1800 and 1940. Included in these around a square courtyard whose where homes were built in the sharecropping) have remained in entries were the neoclassical entrance is easily identified by an middle of agricultural parcels. place between farmers and major edifices in Suin, Palinges and imposing gate. The presence of a The higher-density villages, like landholders, the proportion Baron, as well as subtle neo- dovecote often implies allegiance Châteauneuf, Bois-Sainte-Marie of small and medium-sized Gothic influences in Chassigny- to a lordship and proximity to sous-Dun and Saint-Vincent- or Semur-en-Brionnais, are in agricultural estates has grown a castle yet at times in the 19th Bragny, plus more atypical fact former medieval market significantly over the last half- century would indicate the structures like the Briant Girls’ towns. century. farmer’s material success. School. A Charolais interior, glass negative, House of a cattle farmer in Briant. Washhouse in Bois-Sainte-Marie. painting (technique), M.-F. Firmin- Girard and F.-A. Vizzavona, beginning of the 20th century, Druiet-Vizzavona collection. The living room was «ground zero» for farm operations Shapes and materials with its fireplace and the scullery The region’s geological diversity (stone sink for heavy kitchen tasks). has provided a whole array of Ordinary village construction materials : pink construction Village farms, some of which granite, crinoidal limestone of Farms specialised in fattening The region’s villages and hamlets resemble this isolated layout a yellowish ochre hue, and a cattle exhibit the unique feature could not have remained vibrant removed from the street by a greyish sandstone. For roofing of the dwellings being separated without elements to complement carriage entrance, also suggest a materials, flat tiles have been the from outbuildings, in the style of their public facilities, to nurture th well-to-do farming community. dominant variety since the 19 urban manor homes: one or two community life by creating The farmer’s house sits on a century. Charolais-Brionnais floors, a symmetrically designed social bonds whenever residents smaller parcel, with the more farms most often comprise a facade, and a four-gabled roof congregated. These «community» modest outbuildings abutting residence and farm buildings supported by ornate cornices. elements consist of : fountains the residence and opening juxtaposed under the same roof. With this architectural statement, and wells that supply villagers directly onto the street or a Some even reveal influences the owner was signalling his with water and add amenity, the shared courtyard. The houses of of winegrowers’ homes from economic success. The old farm washhouse as a place for women tradesmen, with their living area southern regions: a first-floor buildings, whose stone stables to meet and exchange, and on the first floor and a workshop dwelling area accessible via had been topped by a hayloft, Calvary crosses that indicate road accessible from the street, tend to stone steps, roof eaves protecting were replaced by modern junctions and serve as markers be clustered. Slightly further from the facade and supported by buildings to house the animals. in the landscape. Like for rural this composition of structures are overhanging gables or wooden dwellings, this more ordinary sheds used for refuge or shelter. purlin timbers, openings below architectural heritage seldom the overhang to ventilate the attic dates beyond the 18th century. space. Exciting gastronomy Charolais cow. and exceptional know-how

This portrait of the Charolais-Brionnais would not be complete without referencing its culinary treasures, its expertise in the crafts and industry, and its strong cultural traditions. delights. listthe gastronomic of local proteins, and juicy tender, tops meat, with vitamins loaded and world. The delicately marbled its presence throughout the breedas a«rustic» and explain of itsall justify which reputation extremely environments, varied above its all ability to adapt to maternal instinct,and docility is hailed for its and fertility most famous among cattle, beef rump. This breed, no doubtthe and well-rounded hips and trait), robust build, neckline, trim pigmentation is aunique genetic spot-free lack hide(this of animal noted for its all-white, CharolaisThe cow is a handsome Charolais meats Auction marketAuction inSaint-Christophe-en-Brionnais. 2005. moved to Wednesday inJanuary in 2009.Thisevent weekly was since inauguration of auction the now enjoys renewed enthusiasm resisted subsequent and crises by many onlookers, market the An exciting place frequented nearly 300buyers would meet. overtime 600breeders and from 1975to 1991,during which institution aheyday experienced fattened animals since 1960,this cattle market. to non- Open territory’s the became largest beef course of century 19th the en-Brionnais market over the Saint-Christophe-1488, the issued by King Charles VIIIin Created through land patent chocolate makers). ratedboth among France’s best or Pubille’s inParay-le-Monial, at Dufoux’s shop Clayette in La with dark chocolate tasted (to be and smoothtaste match perfectly shape. Its firm yet creamy texture 6 cmindiameter) and its keg-like distinctive by its size(7cmhigh, whole goat is cheese this milk, label inJanuary 2010.Made from was awarded its exclusive AOC century, Charolais goat cheese farms. First introduced 16 inthe frequentlyalso encountered on Sheep, goats are and poultry of animals bred region. inthe cattle is notBeef only the source farmingproducts Other th

AOC certified Charolais Decoration specialist at work in the Charolles The beatified Sainte Marguerite-Marie goat cheese. earthenware factory. Alacoque and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, engraving, 19th century, National Library of France. Fine example of popular prints.

Patois and folklore The Paray-le-Monial In the 1960’s, the Digoin pilgrimage Ceramics The Charolais patois belongs to Earthenware factory adapted A few tales, like one by the Jesuit Ceramic production is still the category of Franco-Provencal its production by introducing Jean Croiset in 1691, relate the thriving in Charolles, where dialects featuring a structure akin pyroblanc, a type of varnish that story Marguerite-Marie Alacoque, the workshop still produces a to the Oïl language yet laced with protects articles from day-to- a member of the Paray-le-Monial culinary earthenware that now hints of Occitan and Latin. For Visitation order of nuns, who day wear. The city facilitated the enjoys widespread popularity example, the «a» sound replaces between 1673 and 1675 witnessed installation of two new plants, with its unmistakable «rustic» «e», while the «ts» is used instead three apparitions of Christ offering both of which are still operating : decoration (ratcheted or serrated of «ch». Efforts to promote this her his heart («from he who so «les Grès et Poteries, since edge, stylised carnation patterns dialect are championed by local loved humanity»). The sister’s renamed «Digoin Ceramics», and 1864 beatification, followed by created in 1855) and «artistic» celebrities like Professor Mario the Allia company (bathroom canonisation in 1920, helped touch (floral bouquets and «fine- Rossi, who in 2004 published an ceramics). In Marcigny, the Emile reinvigorate worship of the local tooth comb» border designed in Etymological and Ethnological Henry factory has been making Sacred Heart order during the 19th 1879). Since 1995, the owners Dictionary of Brionnais dialects, century and initiated a Paray-le- even greater technological have essentially been producing and the «Gâs du Tsarollais» Monial pilgrimage in 1878. Each strides with its «Flame®» line decorative ceramics using shades music and folkloric dance group, year, the city welcomes hundreds of casseroles adapted for direct and geometric, streamlined which founded in 1935 by Joanny of thousands of pilgrims. Several contact with the flame and shapes, in search of a distinctively Furtin, a local composer and sanctuaries are visited, including launched in 2005, after 5 years of the «Chapel of Apparitions» and modern look. poet, has performed around the state-of-the-art research. Emile La Colombière Chapel, specially world. Henry’s products are now sold in dedicated to sister Marguerite-Marie’s over 50 countries. confessor.

Main sites throughout Digoin Paray-le-Monial Vendenesse-les-Charolles this land of artistic and Observaloire exhibit, canal bridge, Sacred Heart Basilica and cloister, Lime kilns historical heritage: Demoiselles promenade, Ceramics the Hiéron Museum (National Viry Anzy-le-Duc Museum, Notre-Dame church, Museum), Paul Charnoz Museum, Church (stained glass windows) Church and former priory house Sainte-Bernadette church city hall edifice, Saint-Nicolas Baugy Gueugnon Tower, La Colombière Chapel Credits : Church Museum of Gueugnon area heri- Poisson Photos de couverture : carte tage, Symposium exhibit (stainless Martigny Castle postale, archives départementales Horn of Artus and monument in steel sculptures) Saint-Aubin-sur-Loire 71 (en haut), D. Rivoire/SMPCB (en honour of the Resistance Castle, church (frescoes) bas) Bois-Sainte-Marie Brickyard Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray Aperam : n°24 Church and historical homes in Iguerande CEP : n°14 the main village Church, museum exhibit entitled Church (apse and bell tower) Olivier Champagne : n°30, n°31 Bourbon-Lancy «Brionnais Reflections» Saint-Bonnet-de-Joux Gerard Cimetière : n°3, n°4, n°14 Historical district, church and Issy-l’Evêque Sabatier Archaeological Museum Jean-Pierre Gobillot : n°11, n°13, Saint-Nazaire Museum (National Church, Montrifaut ice making Saint-Germain-en-Brionnais n°25, n°29 Museum), Le Breuil Museum, machine, Mont Dardon Church Mairie d’ : n°1 Bourbon-Expo hall (Puzenat La Clayette Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy Musée Paul Charnoz : n°22 machinery), Puzenat castle and Castle, Sainte-Avoye chapel Church Office de tourisme de Paray-le- Monial : n°18 grounds, spa district and Aligre Marcigny Saint-Laurent-en-Brionnais Jean-Luc Petit : n°6, n°9, n°16, n°17, Hospital, Le Fourneau ice making Historical district, Mill Tower Church (apse and bell tower) n°19, n°23 machine, Le Petit Fleury nature Museum (National Museum), Saint-Maurice-les-Château- Tania Rizet : n°32 discovery site horse-drawn carriage museum, neuf RMN (Château de Versailles)/Hervé Charolles Saint-Nicolas church, city hall, Church (bell tower) Landowski : n°10 Historical district, Charles the sculpture gardens / art exhibition Saint-Racho RMN/François Vizzavona : n°27 Bold Tower and Diamond Tower, centre (Rex collection) The Montagne de Dun hilltop SMPCB : n°2, n°5, n°9, n°21, n°26, Priory House Museum (National Melay Saint-Yan n°28, n°33 Museum), Ursulines convent Press exhibit area Chapel (apse and bell tower) Textes : A. Michel/SMPCB (Tourist Office), church, Maison Molinet Semur-en-Brionnais Conception : H. Botti/SMPCB du Charolais visitors centre, Two museums: «Costumes over Traduction : R. SACHS Saint-Hugues Castle, Saint-Hilaire Maupré Viaduct the ages» and «Tools from Yeste- Impression : Imprimerie Fuchey collegiate church, Saint-Martin-la- Chassenard ryear» Church (tympanum), Croix castle Mont Vallée church, chapter house, salt Syndicat Mixte grounds (town hall) Mont summit loft, town hall du Pays Charolais-Brionnais Chassy Montceaux-l’Etoile Suin 14 place de l’hôtel de ville Church (stained glass windows) Church Suin mountaintop, church (apse 71600 PARAY LE MONIAL Châteauneuf Mussy-sous-Dun and bell tower) Phone: +33 (0)3 85 25 96 36 Church, former postal-relay inn Viaduct Uxeau [email protected] Châtenay-sous-Dun Neuvy-Grandchamp Mont Dardon summit www.charolais-brionnais.fr Exhibit at the Old Guild House Charolais Museum of Farm Vareilles Chauffailles Machinery Church (apse and bell tower) Weaving Museum, Van de Walle Oyé Varenne-l’Arconce textile plant, castle Chaumont Castle, Sancenay Church Coublanc chapel, museum exhibit «The Varenne-Saint-Germain Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Oratory Memory of Oyé» «Toto Loth» Forge Museum Coulanges Palinges Varennes-sous-Dun Mortillon Castle Digoine Castle, church (apse and Textile/spinning mill museum bell tower), Museum of Popular Drée Castle, church (column Arts and Traditions capitals) Let the Charolais-Brionnais country tell you its story, Land of art and history... … accompanied by a guide-lecturer certifi ed by the Ministry of Culture and Communication. The guide greets you with knowledge of all facets relative to Charolais-Brionnais country and gives you the keys to interpret and understand the landscapes, know-how or history of this territory from one village to the next. The guide remains at your service. Guided tours provide the possibility for all to engage in friendly and spirited exchange.

The heritage coordination offi ce This offi ce coordinates Charolais-Brionnais initiatives qualifying under the Art and History label. It proposes a year-round calendar of events for locals and visitors, along with fi eld trips and instruction workshops for schoolchildren. The offi ce is always available to help study your projects.

OURTEPÉE C Should you be part of a group

The Charolais-Brionnais Artistic and Historical Heritage service LAUDE proposes visits and tours all year round by appointment. Brochures C with visit and tour information will be sent to you upon request. BBOT A HE

T 1774 Burgundy, of of the Duchy c description specifi General and Information / reservations available from : Syndicat Mixte du Pays Charolais-Brionnais 14, place de l’Hôtel de Ville - 71600 PARAY-LE-MONIAL Phone: +33 (0)3 85 25 96 36 - Fax: +33 (0)3 85 81 13 36 e-mail: [email protected]

Charolais-Brionnais belongs to a national network of Artistic and Historical Towns and Regions The French Ministry of Culture and Communication, Cultural Heritage Directorate, has awarded the label Towns and Regions of Artistic and Historical Interest to local authorities making special efforts to promote their heritage sites. This appellation guarantees the competence of guides-lecturers as well as coordinators responsible for presenting quality programmes. From antique vestiges to 20th-century buildings, the towns and regions so designated are recognised for staging sites to highlight their full diversity. This network currently comprises 167 towns and regions

across the country eager to share their heritage. especially along the Arconce and The prairies, fertile, offering large are exceptionally Guye Rivers, quantities of and once cleared for chopping wood ne dense grass ideal for feeding of a layer leaving fi our cattle.

In the vicinity Autun, Auxerre, Dijon, Chalon-sur-Saône, Joigny, La Charité-sur- Loire, Nevers, Auxois-Morvan Region and «Cluny to » region, all recipients of the Artistic and Historical Interest label.