Burgundy

An excellent example of a self-sufficient Cistercian monastery, the well-restored abbey of Fontenay set in a secluded green valley was consecrated in 1147. — Michelin Guide

Founded in the AD 880s on a former Roman and Carolingian site, Vézelay's stunning hilltop basilica was rebuilt between the 11th and 13th centuries. — Lonely Planet

Its main attractions are the carving of the Last Judgment on the west tympanum, and the capitals, whose carvings depict the three Magi, the flight to Egypt, and the suicide of Judas. — Frommer's

The east wing of the ground floor, which housed Diane de Poitier's apartments, has recently been restored. Highlights here include Diane's bedroom with its 16th-century murals. — Fodor's

This famous grouping of six Old Testament figures, carved from 1395 to 1405 by court sculptor Claus Sluter and his nephew Claus de Werve, is on the grounds of a psychiatric hospital. — Lonely Planet

This museum across from the cathedral is noteworthy for its early Flemish paintings and sculpture. — Fodor's

Jeanne and Maurice Magnin turned their historic townhouse over to the state to display their excellent art collection in perpetuity. — Lonely Planet

The French Renaissance-style Château de Tanlay, an elegant product of the 17th century, is surrounded by a wide moat and elaborately carved outbuildings. — Lonely Planet

It's best known as the seat of Burgundy's elite company of wine lovers, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, who gather here in November at the start of an annual three-day festival. — Fodor's

The collections of this Museum of Fine Art showcase major holdings of 12C to 20C art, in particular by Félix Ziem (1821-1911), an Orientalist painter born in Beaune. — Michelin Guide

Created in 1799, this medieval palace is one of the oldest of France and home to a fantastic collection of 137,000 works of art (painting, sculpture, furniture, table arts, weapons and drawings). — Michelin Guide

France's oldest public museum, founded in 1694, is famous for its stellar collection of local Gallo-Roman archaeology; its Cabinet des Dessins, with some 6000 drawings from the 15th to 20th centuries. — Lonely Planet

This is the first of France's big cathedrals (1130-1168). The west façade presents a statue of Saint Etienne, at the pier of the central doorway. — Michelin Guide

Vauban is considered the "father of civil engineering," and his innovations influenced innumerable forts throughout France. His designs and furnishings of his day are on display. — Fodor's

Housed in the grand 16th-century Palais Granvelle, this museum testifies to the proud history of horologie (watchmaking) in Besançon. — Lonely Planet

Châtillon’s main claim to fame is the Trésor de Vix (Vix Treasure), a collection of Celtic, Etruscan and Greek objects from the 6th century BC on display at the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais. — Lonely Planet

La Rochepot Castle stands in an enchanting site, on top of the rocky spur of La Roche-Nolay. — Michelin Guide

This Renaissance-style château, on the outskirts of the village of Sully (15km northeast of Autun along the D973), has a beautifully furnished interior and a lovely English-style garden. — Lonely Planet

Behind Église Notre Dame, the 17th-century Hôtel de Vogüé is renowned for the ornate carvings around the arches of its exquisitely proportioned Renaissance courtyard. — Lonely Planet

— Frommer's