Travel Guide Flavigny-Sur-Ozerain

The town of Flavigny stands on a rocky promontory surrounded by three rivers: the Ozerain, the Recluse and the Verpant. Close to ancient Alesia and listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, the town owes its name to a general of Caesar's named Flavinius. It was this Roman who is said to have brought back green anise seeds from one of his voyages. Later, in 719, a Burgundian lord founded the Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Flavigny, occupied by Benedictine monks. Under the protection of the Carolingian kings, it grew rapidly in importance. Today, what remains of the monastic buildings is where Flavigny aniseed is made. This "bon bon" has made the village famous the world over. More than 30 employees work in the sugar-coating workshops, following the same recipe since 1591! The delicious smell of aniseed follows you around the village. One of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain's jewels is the Carolingian crypt of Sainte-Reine, open to the public at the abbey. The 13th-century church of Saint-Genès is another must-see, as is the magnificent façade of the Maison au Donataire. Even today, Flavigny remains a spiritual land, as evidenced by the Saint-Joseph de Clairval abbey. In October, don't miss the Saint-Simon fair. The rest of the year, dare to lose yourself in its narrow streets and enter the stores of local craftsmen.