Perched on a hilltop surrounded by vineyards, the small village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain hides behind its fortified walls one of the highest concentration of instagrammable French village scenes.
Listed as one of the loveliest villages in France, you’ll find it in the heart of Burgundy some 60 kilometers away from Dijon, hence perfect for a day trip.
Flavigny has two claims to fame besides its immaculately preserved buildings. It is firstly known all over France as the birthplace of some very famous sweets – Les Anis de Flavigny. Everyone in the country knows these pretty little oval tins of aniseeds sweets which are only produced here and have been for the past 400 years, making it the oldest brand in all of France!
The factory is still in the same old ivy-covered Benedictine abbey and you’ll want to follow the smell inside to visit the shop and museum.
As famous for their taste as for their adorable packaging, the pea-sized white balls come in over twelve different flavors which will punctuate your visit with lovely hint of orange blossom, rose petals, lemon, violet, and liquorice among others (there’s plenty of tasting too!).
Its second claim to fame, which extends beyond the country’s borders, is that it was the backdrop for the Oscar-nominated movie ‘Chocolat‘ starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp.
Curvy rows of traditional Burgundy houses extend every which way you look, all in that attractive light local stone of the region with just enough pops of color to brighten the monotonous days.
Look out for the shop where Vianne (Juliette Binoche’s character) opened her chocolate boutique on the Place de l’Eglise. It was all a fantasy unfortunately as all you’ll find there today is a dusty granary…
Wander down the narrow side streets of this historic maze and marvel at the simple fact that this place still exists today, as untouched and authentic as can be.
Thank the local inhabitants who have taken great pride in the preservation and restoration of their village as you explore its every nook and crannies, finding architectural gems at every turn.
The sturdy walls encircling the tiny heart have stories to tell too, having witnessed the Hundred Years’ War and kept their eyes over the green, hilly landscape all around them.
It’s worth taking a stroll outside of the walls just to see the three remaining gates, some dating as far back as the 13th century.
Go back inside in the quiet, eerie enclave and continue your visual treat.
Your wandering will eventually lead you to the central place unsurprisingly dominated by a looming stone church.
It’s also where you’ll find one of the very few restaurants in town inside an old barn.
Meals at La Grange are everything a Burgundian feast should be – astonishingly good in the humblest of settings. The restaurant is managed by a group of local farmers who showcase their produce and turn them into sensational local cuisine served communal style.
By now you’ll be eyeing a few dream houses and asking yourself ‘What if…?’.
Even the modest ones have unique features elevating their simple facade.
Others are more showy with their medieval attributes…
And some are an artist’s hidden chef d’oeuvre for the discerning wanderers only…
Peek through gates and iron fences for a glimpse of the village’s grandest affairs.
Though it’s in the tiniest of alleys that I always find the most awe-inspiring views.
We found these hidden underneath the coach gate…
With fewer than 400 lucky souls calling this place home, Flavigny is one of those hidden treasures we want to preserve for generations to come. Tell your friends with a sweet tooth they have an enchanting place to visit where the air smells of candies, and all the others they can literally relive a famous movie in a setting frozen in time.
