Buxy is a town in Saône-et-Loire, in Burgundy and Franche-Comte, about twenty kilometers southwest of Chalon-sur-Saône.
Its territory of about 12 km² ranges from 186 to 428 meters, a sometimes steep terrain involved geological richness of soil and thus promotes viticulture.
Crossed by the course of several rivers including the Horn, the locality belongs in fact to the wine region of Côte Chalonnaise and produces Montagny appellation wines.
Occupied since prehistoric times and in ancient times, the village developed in the Middle Ages as provost dependent Chalon counts in the Duchy of Burgundy, and is equipped with fortifications. In the fourteenth century Buxy suffers from the Hundred Years War and during the Wars of Religion, the village is renowned for hosting many Protestants.
In contemporary times, even if the operation of stone quarries continues, viticulture proves the first economic asset Buxy, who joined the Montagny appellation in 1936. The town still has a large cooperative, with its historical heritage and its garden, wine tourism is developed.
The village has about 2200 inhabitants worth a visit during a stay in southern Burgundy.
The village has retained Buxy number of built elements from the Middle Ages or the Ancien Régime which were added the unique characteristics of the vineyard activity: a combination that gives a real character to the small town.
especially be observed Saint-Germain church, built in the twelfth on Romanesque foundations and rebuilt in the fifteenth century. The nave was rebuilt in the nineteenth century, the vaulted apse-dome and two chapels, Gothic chapels dedicated to two families of the town, the stained glass window in the choir dedicated to the fallen of the First World War where we recognize Hairy, Christ and Joan of Arc are remarkable inside. Note also that the building houses a bell of a ton and a half, dated 1515!
An incursion is then required in the "old Buxy", also said the "Châtel", a set of some 40 homes and buildings surrounded by fortifications in the Middle Ages including former temple, mills, oil mills.
The ancient towers speaker, whose tower of the King and the Red Tower, the remains of the fortifications experienced during the Hundred Years War, the ruins of the feudal castle, the towers Perrault (1531) and PERRUSSOT (1550) and Saccazand tower still punctuate this walk in the heart of the village, while winemakers homes added since the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
From late June to mid-September, guided village tours are offered every Friday morning by enthusiasts of the local historical society. Price: 2 euros. Information +33 3 85 92 00 16.
To better understand the culture and history of the vineyard in the town, the Museum of Vigneron, housed in the vaulted cellars, evokes the daily work of winemakers presenting including tools, objects and documents dating from 1850 to 1950. Opening on request from the office of tourism +33 3 85 92 00 16. the same office also hosts throughout the year art exhibitions.
To extend this historical experience, then go to the cellar winemakers Buxy created in 1931 and which today includes more than 200 winemakers in the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais. Besides a tour of the cellars, professionals welcome the public to explain the peculiarities of the wines of the region and particularly the appellation Montagny. Free admission and tasting. Open daily from 15 March to 15 November, closed on Sundays the rest of the year and May 1 and 25 December. Information at +33 3 85 92 04 30.
In a different area, on the hill of the Thatch, which dominates the plain of Bresse and occasionally distinguishes the Mont Blanc, the Astronomical Society of Saône-et-Loire has established an observatory. It has a dome of 4 meters and houses a telescope of 400 mm. The general public is admitted in some sessions. Contact +33 3 85 92 00 16.
In terms of recreation and sports "nature", the first asset of Buxy is to be on the Green Long Way some 70 km connecting Chalon-sur-Saône to Mâcon, which borrows the old route of a path railway. Hikers on foot and motorbikes are particularly enjoy pleasant conditions to discover landscapes and heritage. The coating is paved part. At Buxy, parking was arranged, and are available a picnic table (wheelchair accessible), a drinking fountain, sanitary, a charging point for electric bikes.
Marked Related loops allow to apprehend the villages of the Côte Chalonnaise.
On these routes should be added to the old way of Saint-Jacques (now the GR 76) and "Green Walks" on signs staked plots to discover the environment of the region. Maps and information +33 3 85 92 00 16.
For those who prefer walks on a more "muscular" mode, the SMX Concept club offers quad and motorcycle from Buxy with a guide and instructor. Information at +33 6 07 31 24 67.
