Brionnais is famous for its Romanesque churches, its castles, its gastronomy (the region where Charolais beef comes from!) and its beautiful green landscapes.
The Barons of Semur and the Romanesque Churches
From the early Middle Ages to the beginning of the 14th century, the Brionnais was the seat of a powerful barony, that of the barons of Semur. The family also has links with Cluny’s abbey.
The village of Semur-en-Brionnais, one of the most beautiful villages in France, is the historic capital of Brionnais.
The power of the barons of Semur can explain the construction, already in the 11th century, of several beautiful churches in the Brionnais region. The churches in beautiful yellow stone can still be found today in the picturesque landscape of the Brionnais. They are definitely worth a visit.
More information:
You will find the tourist office in:
- Marcigny-Semur-en-Brionnais (Marcigny), Tel.: 03 85 25 39 06
- La Clayette (Pays Clayettois), Tel.: 03 85 28 16 35
- Chauffailles (Sud Brionnais), Tel.: 03 85 26 07 06