exploring medieval burgundy
MAY 2026
DR LOUISE MARSHALL
*** Preliminary Itinerary ***
Explore Burgundy’s cultural heritage, from outstanding medieval art and architecture to prestigious food and wine, complemented by a program of scenic walks in historic districts
OVERVIEW
Burgundy is an extraordinarily rich cultural destination. In the Middle Ages it was a powerful centre of Christendom and, as the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, set European tastes in luxury arts, such as manuscript illumination, painting, sculpture and fashion. More recently, Burgundy has become one of the world’s most prestigious small wine districts and its vineyards form part of its unspoiled landscape.
This 10-day tour takes an in-depth look at the heritage of Burgundy, venturing out from a comfortable base in the pretty town of Beaune. Through a carefully designed program of talks and excursions, we explore superlative Romanesque and Gothic art and architecture in Cluny, Autun, Vézelay and Fontenay. A complementary program of gentle walks takes us through picturesque villages and vineyards, to fine Renaissance châteaux and gardens, and alongside the Burgundy Canal.
The touring program is complemented by select gastronomic experiences, showcasing the best of Burgundy, and by the expertise of your tour leader, medieval art specialist Dr Louise Marshall.
TOUR LEADER
Dr Louise Marshall is an art historian, with a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and a research specialisation in Italian art of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. She is an honorary senior lecturer in the Department of Art History at the University of Sydney, where she taught for over thirty years.
Louise is a popular lecturer on Italian art history and has frequently presented on the subject at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, including in conjunction with the Italian Institute of Culture (Sydney), and at the National Gallery of Victoria. She has been invited to speak at international conferences in Europe and North America, and has often been interviewed as a specialist on Italian art by ABC Radio National.
Highlights
Admire exceptional Romanesque art and architecture, from the influence of Cluny to sculpture in Autun and well-preserved frescoes
Trace the birth of the Gothic in Vézelay’s soaring abbey and Fontenay’s peaceful cloisters
Enjoy gentle walks through the hills of Burgundy, discovering prestigious vineyards, chapels on the Way of St James and stunning landscapes
Encounter world-class examples of Burgundian art, including Rogier Van der Weyden’s extraordinary Beaune Altarpiece and Claus Sluyter’s innovations in stone
Appreciate the terroir of the “Valley of Gastronomy”, with some of France’s most prestigious wines and cheeses, and other regional delicacies
Questions?
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