We live in Burgundy (France), in Autun and in a small rural village where we run a small Zendo (a meditation room where Zazen is practised). Burgundy is a region steeped in tradition in eastern France, characterised by its long history, diverse cultural landscape and tranquil, rural charm. Gentle hills, small river valleys and well-kept villages dominate the landscape, which has been shaped by agriculture and craftsmanship over centuries. Historic towns, monasteries and castles bear witness to the cultural significance of the region in the Middle Ages. In addition to its history, Burgundy is also known for its fine cuisine, regional markets and lively traditions. The combination of nature, culture and lifestyle makes it a region that offers both relaxation and authentic insights into everyday French life.
Autun
Autun is a culturally and historically significant town in the heart of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, in the Saône-et-Loire department, about 62 miles southwest of Dijon and 1.5 hours south of Paris. The beautiful city has a population of around 13,000 and is perched on a hill above the Arroux River, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Morvan National Park—a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
Autun is officially recognized as a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (City of Art and History), one of France’s most important cultural heritage sites. Its unique location in a natural basin (the “Bassin d’Autun”) makes it an ideal starting point for excursions into the Burgundy countryside, including vineyards and forests.
Autun’s history stretches back over 2,000 years and is a living textbook of European past. Originally founded as the Gallic oppidum Bibracte in the Morvan, the city was relocated and rebuilt by Emperor Augustus around 10 BC as Augustodunum. As the second most important Roman metropolis in Gaul (after Lyon), it was a center for rhetoric and education. Later, in the Middle Ages, it developed into a place of pilgrimage thanks to the relics of Saint Lazarus.
| Le Petit Zendo |
Le Petit Zendo
Our little Zendo is located in a small and tranquil village nearby Autun. There we offer free Zazen, Jin Shin Jyutsu and Qigong. Anyone interested is welcome. Participation is free of charge. Individual introductions are available.
Before participating for the first time, please register using our contact form.
| Culture and Landscapes of the Burgundy |
Burgundy
The Burgundy is home to wonderful medieval villages such as Semur en Auxois, Flavigny, Avallon, Tournus, and Cluny, which offer an intimate atmosphere and great beauty. There are also magnificent cathedrals and monasteries such as Vézelay, Autun and Fontenay, as well as romantic castles and palaces such as Bussy-Rabutin. And, of course, the well-known tourist attractions of Burgundy such as beautiful Dijon and Beaune with its famous Hospices de Beaune. In addition the Morvan National Park nearby is a wonderful place for hiking, swimming or kayaking.
Morvan National Park
The Morvan National Park is located in the heart of Burgundy and is a vast low mountain range characterised by unspoilt, tranquil natural landscapes. Dense forests, rolling hills, clear lakes and numerous streams and rivers characterise this relatively sparsely populated region. The park provides a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna and is considered an important refuge for nature. At the same time, the Morvan is a popular destination for nature-based tourism: well-developed hiking and cycling trails, swimming lakes and small villages invite visitors to relax and enjoy active leisure activities. Traditional architecture, regional craftsmanship and a close connection to the landscape give the Morvan its authentic and down-to-earth character.