The old Benedictine buildings were left to slowly decay and the staunch religious foundations of the village were faltering. The eighteenth century brought the construction of a new home for the local Abbot. As you stroll along this route around Flavigny, the view of the French countryside spread out below is truly spectacular. Visitors can walk along them and view the Port du Val and the Port du Bourg which are inner and outer village entry points. The remains of some of these are celebrated to this day and are taken in procession annually to their original location.įortifications or ramparts were constructed in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in a failed attempt to prevent the English invasion during the 100 years war. The village was used as a storage home for local religious relics. Other than the local hotels and restaurants, the Anise and the textiles support the bulk of the local Flavigny economy.ĭuring the mid ninth century, local villages were subjected to Viking raids and the more difficult to reach location of Flavigny, on its rock foundation, made it seem more secure. Plants from the garden are used to produce textiles, wicker baskets and rope. You can buy them in beautifully printed tins exclusively presenting the village.Īssociated with the Benedictine Abbey is a botanical garden. The Anise is based on a recipe created by the early monks many centuries ago. This is a very special and unique local product. The Abbey is still present but part of it is used now as a factory producing Anise pastilles. It was constructed around a Benedictine Abbey founded by a certain Widerard in the year 719. The origin of the town goes back to the eighth century. The book was later made into a film called ‘Chocolat’ and the village chosen for most of the filming was this very Flavigny-sur-Ozerain that I was approaching.įlavigny sits high on a rock and is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The tale of their survival and the ultimate flourish of their business was a truly inspiring tale. It concerned a mother with her young daughter opening a ‘chocolaterie’ just before Easter in a French village. I was enthralled by its fictional tale of humanity and tenacity. I suppose it cost me about 25 pence but it was worth its weight in gold and is, I think, the best story that I have ever read. The book was called ‘Chocolat’ and was written by Joanne Harris. I just could not resist it” says Francophile, ‘Chocolat’ fan and travel writer Bob Lyons…Ī couple of years ago I bought a book as part of a job lot in a charity shop. I knew of this little town and I just had to leave the beaten track to go and explore. “Travelling through Burgundy, just a little north of Dijon, I saw a signpost indicating the village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain.
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