REGION FEATURED

Ask any aspiring landscape photographer what makes a good picture for them and they talk about rolling hills, meandering rivers, vineyards, and lush pastureland… it’s almost as if they are describing the Charolais-Brionnais area of Saône et Loire in southern Burgundy.

We know this area well. Regular readers of the FOR YOU newsletter will remember previous features that have crisscrossed this beautiful landscape and we are back here again for this edition looking at life from the photographer’s angle.

Art and history have played a big part in defining this region over the centuries. Indeed, much of southern Burgundy is known throughout Europe for its Romanesque influence. In fact, it is without qualification one of the most important centres in France for Romanesque architecture with over a hundred religious buildings including the quite stunning basilica of Paray-le-Monial sitting on the banks of the river Bourbince. Both inside and out, this amazing building will definitely keep a photographer clicking!

Next on our list is the Château de Digoine in Palinges just a few miles to the north-east of Paray-le-Monial. Its heritage can be traced back to 1390, although it is its prominence in the 17th to 19th centuries that defines its real importance. Superbly restored, and lavishly decorated throughout, it is a magnificent monument to the splendour associated with the barons and dukes of Burgundy. Today, it is high up on the list of location managers as a backdrop to many TV series.

And then onto Charolles once the seat of power for Charles the Bold, a Duke of Burgundy. The town sits between two rivers: the Arconce and the Semence. The town oozes Medieval history and there are plenty of photo opportunities including the Diamond Tower, Bailiwick Hall, the Convent of the Poor, and the Priory of the Madeleine. As an aside, Charolles is also known for the artisanal manufacture of the faience. (Ed: That’s glazed ceramic pottery to you and me.)

It's time for a lens change! Let’s take some wide shots, and to do that we need to start moving around. The area has many trails, ideal for hiking, walking, or cycling and therefore photography too! If you're feeling energetic, try some of the Saône-et-Loire's 180 cycle paths, otherwise, you can always opt for a horseback ride or a cruise on the 300+ kms of waterways. A good way to discover the landscape and a guaranteed vista for some stunning photography. (Ed: All this moving about is thirsty work!)

Of course, you don't come to Burgundy without tasting the local wines. In the Charolais, the wines come from the Côte Mâconnaise. These are both red and white wines and excellent value for money. Chardonnay is the most cultivated grape variety in this region, the rest of the production being devoted to red wines from the Gamay and Pinot Noir grape varieties.

And, just to bring some art back into the discussion after all this wine-tasting… make sure you pay a visit to chocolatier Bernard Dufoux, at La Clayette, whose delicious creations are considered among the best in the country and clearly worth a picture. Now, if you need an excuse to visit, you can always tell the ‘better half’ that actually you really want to visit the local château down the road to take a few more shots! (Ed: well, it’s worth a try!)

Editor's note: On the France4U website site, you will find more information about Charolais-Brionnais and, of course, you can also refer to the excellent tourism sites for Burgundy and Saône-et-Loire in particular.