BURGUNDY: Masterpieces, Monuments, Pilgrimage and a Medieval Workshop
4 April 2027 - 8 April 2027
Description
Burgundy brings together medieval heritage and Renaissance masterpieces, secular splendour and ecclesiastical majesty in what was once one of Europe’s most powerful and ambitious duchies. In a domain which covered the historic artistic centres of Flanders, the rulers and their court could call on the finest sculptors, painters and architects to create an exquisite environment which was the envy of its contemporaries. The area also boasts the majestic 11th century Benedictine Abbey of Vézelay, a remarkable survival, where the relics of Mary Magdalen made it a major pilgrimage site in itself, as well as a gathering place for pilgrims to Compostella. To complete our immersion in the past, we visit the site of Guédelon, where an experimental archaeology project is building a 13th century castle using only period techniques, dress, tools and materials.
All this and the pleasures of the foremost home of French food and wine!
Price
Based on 15 participants and strictly limited
£3,300.00 per person sharing a twin room
£360.00 additional for single occupancy
£700.00 deposit is needed to confirm your place
The price includes:
Lecturing by Nicole Mezey throughout
Services of tour manager throughout
Outbound flight with British Airways from Heathrow
Return Eurostar (standard class) from Gare du Nord/St. Pancras
All Coaching services throughout the tour
4 nights bed and breakfast at 4* Chapeau Rouge par William Fanchot, Dijon
4 dinners in local restaurants (3 courses excluding wine)
1 lunch on site at the Guedelon Medieval Site
All entrance charges to visits as per the itinerary
Vox headsets, days 2-4
Gratuities
City Tax
The price does not include:
Lunches (Days 1, 2, 3, 4)
Teas or coffees during any mid-morning/mid-afternoon breaks
Refreshments
Any incidental and personal expenditure (laundry/telephone etc)
Taxis or other transport not specified
Personal insurance
TO BOOK
Contact: Mary Bromley Tel: 020 7266 7820
Email: [email protected]
YOUR LECTURER
Nicole Mezey
Nicole studied at the Universities of Sussex, York and Paris before becoming Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University, Belfast, where she established the Department of Art History and worked extensively with adult students on part-time degrees and Open Learning programmes. Nicole is currently a freelance lecturer for The Arts Society, the National Museum of Northern Ireland, Queen’s University and the National Trust. Her publications focus on adult education and the arts. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
YOUR HOTEL
Chapeau Rouge par William Frachot, 4*
5 Rue Michelet, 21000 Dijon
+ 33 (0) 3 80 50 88 88
The Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge is in the historic centre of Dijon and just 15 minutes from the famous Routes des Grands Crus. It has a 2* intimate and elegant Michelin Restaurant featuring the inventive creations of William Franchot. It also has the following services: Valet and bellboy service, Wi-Fi connection, 24/7 Reception and Concierge, Wellness Centre, Bar and Laundry Service.
DAY 1 Sunday 04 April 2027
LONDON/LYON
Check-in at London Heathrow airport for British Airways flight
Arrive at Lyon airport
Coach to hotel in Dijon, the 15th Century capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Check into the Chapeau Rouge per William Frachot.
Short walking tour of historic centre if time allows
Dinner in a local restaurant near the hotel
DAY 2 Monday 05 April 2027
DIJON
Visit Chartreuse de Champmol
Transfer short distance by coach to Chartreuse de Champmol the remnants of a sumptuous monastery and chapel built by Duke Philip the Bold. It has been called “the grandest project in a reign renowned for extravagance” and was richly endowed with works of art.
Visit Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne de Dijon
Free time for Lunch
Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Musee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
In the afternoon we start with the oldest church in Dijon, Notre Dame Cathedral, before walking to the Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon) which now houses the art treasures from the Chartreuse de Champmol, including fabulous carved and painted altarpieces and the carved tombs of the Dukes.
Dinner in a local restaurant near the hotel
DAY 3 Tuesday 06 April 2027
MORVAN and VEZELAY
Transfer by coach to Morvan
Visit Château de Bazoches-du-Morvan
We begin at the Château de Bazoches-du-Morvan, a 12th century fortress owned and transformed by the Marquis of Vauban, Marshal of France and military engineer of Louis XIV and furnished in 17th century style.
Transfer by coach to Vezelay
Visit Basilique Sainte-Madeleine in Vezelay
A short journey then takes us to Vézelay, where the basilica is one of the great ecclesiastical survivals, and even the surrounding village is UNESCO listed. A brief introduction is followed by time for lunch and a stroll up the hill to the basilica itself, where the afternoon is dedicated to an exploration of the site, its architecture and a history which includes pilgrimage, the launch of two crusades and visits by St Bernard and Richard the Lionheart.
Dinner in a local restaurant near the hotel
DAY 4 Wednesday 07 April 2027
BEAUNE
Transfer by coach to Beaune, a medieval town of cobbled streets and brightly coloured tiled rooves, still surrounded by the ancient ramparts.
Visit Hôtel-Dieu
We begin with a visit to the Hôtel-Dieu, an exquisitely preserved Renaissance Hospital, built by the Chancellor of the Duchy and his wife, which still houses the Last Judgement altarpiece of Rogier van der Weyden.
Free time for lunch
Visit Collégiale Notre-Dame
A stroll through the town to enjoy the architecture and ambiance takes us to the Collégiale Notre-Dame with 15th century tapestries illustrating the life of the Virgin Mary.
Visit local vineyard
We will then be collected by coach to visit a local vineyard for a tasting of renown local wines before returning to Dijon.
Dinner in a local restaurant near the hotel
DAY 5 Thursday 08 April 2027
GUEDELON/PARIS/LONDON
Check out of the hotel after breakfast
Transfer by coach to Guédelon Medieval site.
We transfer to the extraordinary and unique site at Guédelon, where since 1997, beginning as a private passion project, a medieval castle is being built, using only the materials and knowledge available at the time. It is a remarkable experience where we have the opportunity to watch the exercise of all the medieval building crafts, and explore the work to date. The craftsmen and skills developed here contributed to the authentic rebuilding of Notre Dame in Paris.
Lunch to be served in on-site café/restaurant
Coach to collect the group and transfer to Paris Gare du Nord
Arrive at Paris Gare du Nord for return Eurostar
Arrive in St Pancras, London
This tour is organised by Martin Randall Travel (Private Groups) who are responsible for all the arrangements. Please refer to their Travel Booking Terms and Conditions which can be sent upon request. The Company holds AITO number 5085, and ATOL number 3622 for your protection. This itinerary is subject to change should local conditions or unexpected restrictions occur. As the tour is arranged many months in advance, visits may be subject to amendment.
