Rix Mill: Your Gateway to Discovering Burgundy
Photo: Vézelay
Witness the history of Burgundy around Rix Mill, a region shaped by 2,000 years of Roman roads, early vineyards, and medieval dukes. Wander the world-famous vineyards of Chablis, Sancerre, and Beaune – don’t miss the 15th-century Hospices de Beaune, a glass of Chablis or a classic Kir Royal.
In Vézelay and Avallon, history comes alive along cobbled streets and in ancient churches. Nearby, Guédelon reconstructs a medieval castle using 13th-century techniques. Nature lovers can explore the Morvan Regional Natural Park or drift along the Canal du Nivernais.
The earliest record of Rix Mill dates to 1690, under Louis XIV. Just 3 km away, Clamecy’s river once carried timber rafts up to 72 metres long from the Nivernais and Morvan forests to Paris, keeping the capital supplied with firewood for four centuries.
From history and wine to nature, Burgundy invites you to explore, taste, and wander – every corner revealing a story.
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Explore Burgundy’s rich past through medieval towns, archaeological sites, and museums.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Vézelay; La Charité-sur-Loire; Fontenay Abbey; and the vineyards from Beaune to Dijon (see video below).
Clamecy: (3 km from Rix Mill) supplied Paris with firewood from the 16th century via 72-metre timber rafts down the Yonne and Seine rivers. Visit the Romain Rolland Museum for more.
Guédelon Castle: A unique project reconstructing a 13th-century castle using only period tools, where visitors can immerse themselves and engage with craftsmen.
Bibracte: Archaeological site where Julius Caesar resided, with a museum on Roman and ancient Gaulish history.
Towns to explore: Semur-en-Auxois, Autun, Dijon, Beaune, Auxerre, Flavigny, Noyers-sur-Serein…
Castles to visit: Saint-Fargeau, Bazoches, Chastellux, Château du Clos de Vougeot, Château de Bussy-Rabutin, Ancy-le-Franc…
Prehistoric caves: Arcy-sur-Cure, featuring remarkable wall paintings.
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Embark on a journey through Burgundy’s finest wines with tastings and vineyard walks, finishing with Crémant and a classic Kir Royal.
Start at Les Caves de Clamecy (3 km from Rix) for expert advice and a strong selection of local wines.
Take a wine-tasting course in Beaune with Sensation Vin
Follow La Route des Vins between Beaune and Dijon, stopping at renowned vineyards along the way.
Enjoy Crémant tasting at Caves de Bailly-Lapierre near Auxerre.
Wine tastings in Irancy and Chablis: Domaine Heimbourger, Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard.
In Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire: Domaine de Saint-Pierre, La Maison des Sancerres, Tour du Pouilly-Fumé.…
Renowned cassis producers for your Kir Royal (with Champagne or Crémant de Bourgogne): Lejay-Lagoute, Briottet, Gabriel Boudier.
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Why not start with a Kir Royal and gougères before moving on to Boeuf Bourguignon?
Mustard maker with workshops in Beaune: Edmond Fallot
The gougère: a Burgundy speciality from Auxerre — cheese choux pastry, traditionally served as an aperitif.
Local cheeses: Crottin de Chavignol, Époisses, Délices de Bourgogne, Brillat-Savarin, Cîteaux…
For lunch and dinner: Le Cheval Blanc (Vézelay); Le Soufflot (Irancy); Le Quai (Auxerre); Au Fin Chavignol (Chavignol); Le Vézelien (Vézelay); Poivre et Sel (Auxerre); La Ferme du Mont (Le Mont-Châteauneuf, Val de Bargis), Délices du Terroir (Époisses)…
Renowned gastronomic restaurants:
L’Éternel at “l’Hôtel de la Poste et du Lion d’Or” (Vézelay); Le Coq Hardi (Pouilly-sur-Loire); Le Relais Bernard Loiseau (Saulieu); La Côte Saint-Jacques & Spa (Joigny); Auberge de l’Âtre (Quarré-les-Tombes)…
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Enjoy Burgundy’s varied landscapes, perfect for relaxation, sport, or simply enjoying nature.
Morvan Regional Natural Park: visit the Maison du Parc in Saint-Brisson to explore this 3,000 km² haven, with six lakes, 3,300 km of rivers and 3,000 ponds — ideal for walking, cycling, boating and wildlife watching.
Canal du Nivernais: discover by boat or bicycle. Highlights include L’Échelle des 16 Écluses in Sardy-lès-Épiry and the Voûtes de la Collancelle, reached by boat from Baye Lake in Bazolles…
Water and outdoor sports: canoeing in Clamecy; sailing and paddle-boarding on Baye Lake; and the sports centre in Saint-Pere offering mountain biking, hot-air ballooning and canoeing.
Horse riding: at La Ferme Equestre de Poifond.
Climbing sites: at Surgy, Merry-sur-Yonne, Mailly-le-Château, Lormes and Dun-les-Places…
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Discover Burgundy’s artistic heritage, from fine art to local craftsmanship.
Musee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon: recently renovated and housed in a historic palace, it displays masterpieces across the centuries, including the Dukes of Burgundy tombs, works by Auguste Rodin and Eugene Delacroix, Flemish Primitives, and Egyptian artefacts. The visit itself is an experience and a gateway to Dijon.
Musee Zervos: a haven for modern art, with works by Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miro and Alexander Calder, reflecting the legacy of critic Christian Zervos.
Faiencerie d'Art et Creations Colas: master faience makers continuing an 18th-century tradition, producing traditional earthenware and collectible ceramics, including the well-known ceramic beans.
Musee Auguste Grasset: a cabinet of curiosities with Egyptian artefacts, South Pacific weapons, regional earthenware, Nièvre landscapes, and 17th–19th century instruments, enhanced by subtle light and sound.
4 UNESCO sites near Rix Mill
There are four incredible UNESCO sites, all within an hour’s drive from the mill: Vézelay Basilica, Fontenay Abbey, Notre-Dame in La Charité-sur-Loire, and the renowned Burgundy vineyards. Perfect for history lovers, culture seekers, and wine enthusiasts alike!
Where you can drive in 2 hours from Rix Mill…
Experience Rix Mill — book your stay now!

