Mont Beuvray France

We continue our journey through the beautiful countryside of the Burgundy area. Roads taking us through luscious green fields scattered with the white charolais cows. Then through pretty autumn coloured forests. 

We had our sights set for Mont Beuvray as in our ‘melways’ of France it had 2 stars out of 3 so it had to be good. I got the gps coordinates for the parking at the lookout at 807m alt. Just before the last climb up to there we found ourselves at a museum. The area happens to be an ancient Gaulish fortified town founded in 2nd century BC. Unfortunately we just arrived behind a big group so decided to visit the site (free) first and return to the museum after (10pp with audio guide). 

Luckily we were able to choose to drive, rather than walk, through the site.

Our first stop was at the rampart and gates. These were reconstructed so we could appreciate the build methods of the time. This was part of the shorter 5.2km walls from the 1st century BC, instead of the older 7km walls from the 2nd century BC.

Next we came to a large area that had a few different excavations. 

The ship hull shape basin made from granite seems to be in an unusual location but demonstrates the Gauls knowledge of geometry. 

The excavations under the shelter showed buildings that had been extensively remodelled over time including Roman public areas such as shops and private areas. 

During the 1400 to 1600’s there was a monastery built here with lots of evidence uncovered of their activities involving agriculture and scholarly pursuits.

Further up the hill there was a large Roman house. The drainage works and baths were also discovered. The thatched cottage was built by Bulliot during the first excavations of the site in the 19th century. 

On the summit there was a 16m deep well along with several buildings believed to be a place of worship.

As we continued on we came across a monument to Bulliot with amazing views over the Arroux Valley.

Near here was a small chapel built in 1873 on the site of a Gallo-Roman temple. 

We enjoyed a lovely stroll through the forest and to another lookout.

We hadn’t anticipated that our explorations would take us 3hours, so we didn’t end up going back to the museum.

We consulted the map and Park4Night and chose a parking spot in Mont Saint Vincent. What a picturesque little medieval village this was, with incredible views.

We walked up to the tower offering 360° panoramic  at 603m altitude. We were lucky for the beautiful sunny day to beable to see the alps including the Mont Blanc summit.

We then wandered through the narrows streets and into squares. 

Then to the 11th century church.

As we returned to Bluey we were rewarded with a gorgeous sunset…

What a great way to end such a terrific day.

First time we have seen chocks supplied at an aire.. admittedly the parking was a bit on a slope.

136km today.