Alise Ste Reine (Côte d'Or)

Alise is a small village set within an enchanting, tranquil and spectacularly beautiful area. Considered to be France’s richest region, not purely in terms of wealth, but also culturally, gastronomically and historically, the region’s history lends to some fascinating architecture with a distinct European influence.

Alise Ste Reine (Côte d'Or) mini guide

It was at Alise-Ste-Reine on the Mont Auxois that the Gauls, under the leadership of Vercingétorix, made their last stand against Caesar’s army in 52 BC. The Romans surrounded the hilltop town with a huge double ditch and earthworks starving the Gauls out, bloodily defeating all attempts at escape. Vercingétorix surrendered to save his people, was imprisoned in Rome for six years and then strangled. The battle was a great turning point in the fortunes of the region. Thereafter, Gaul remained under Roman rule for four hundred years.

Alise has a museum containing finds from the Gallic town of Alésia and Caesar's earthworks. On the first weekend of September the martyrdom of St Reine is celebrated in a costume procession through the village, a custom that goes back to the year 866. St Reine was a young Christian girl who was put to death in 263 for refusing to marry the proconsul of the Gauls, Olibrius. The year of her martyrdom is held to mark the advent of Christianity in Alésia.

Directly above Alise-Ste-Reine, there are steps up to a great bronze statue of Vercingétorix on the summit of Mont Auxois, the highest point in Burgundy. The statue, erected by Napoléon III, whose influence popularized the rediscovery of France's pre-Roman roots, represents Vercingétorix as a romantic Celt, half virginal Christ, half long-haired 1970s matinee idol. On the plinth is inscribed a quotation from Vercingétorix's address to the Gauls as imagined by Julius Caesar: "United and forming a single nation inspired by a single ideal, Gaul can defy the world." Napoléon signs his dedication, "Emperor of the French", inspired by a vain desire to gain legitimacy by linking his own name to that of a "legendary" Celt. Also,on this site are Roman remains that attract many visitors.

Below this imposing statue of Vercingétorix is a smaller statue of Joan d' Arc who it is believed was blessed in Alise in 1429. The Basilica of Sainte Reine dominates the village but there are also a number of historic buildings like the Saint Léger church, the Sainte Reine fountain and the Sainte Reine hospital. This hospital started as a refuge for pilgrims in the 17^th century. Alise has one of the best gastronimic restaurants in Burgundy, Le Cheval Blanc, and we also have a very talented family of potters. The area of Alise is renowned for its pottery, the technique of putting a silver glaze on pottery was developed in this area. This is a traditional stone village and is a joy to explore.

Guide point	Details
Department:	Central France > Burgundy > Côte-d'Or >
Location:	Venarey Les Laumes
Tourist information website:	www.alesia-tourisme.net
Tourist information contact email:	alesia-tourisme@wanadoo.fr
Tourist information switch board number:	0033 (0) 380 96 89 13
Tourist information address:	Place Bingerbrück, 21150 VENAREY-LES-LAUMES
Quick links to accommodation:	Accommodation near Alise Ste Reine (Côte d'Or) - Hotels in Alise Ste Reine (Côte d'Or) Show accommodation in Côte-d'Or - Self catering in Côte-d'Or - Bed and Breakfast in Côte-d'Or properties with pools in Côte-d'Or -