Saint-Gengoux-le-National
Saint-Gengoux-le-National in the Burgundy Region of France feels like home to our family, even though we have only been there for three visits ! The village has a wonderful medieval center with a church that dates to the 12th century. There is evidence that the village itself dates to the Merovingian time period.
Saint-Gengoux-le-National Merovingian History
Our visit to the Merovingian cemetery was like stepping back in time! If you enjoy cycling, this is definitely the place for you as you have lots of wonderful little roads for cycling which take you to beautiful little villages and hamlets. In addition you have easy access to the Voie Verte which is a great place to cycle away from the traffic.
Market Day in Saint-Gengoux-le-National
Saint-Gengoux-le-National, Market Day
Saint-Gengoux-le-National – Access to the Voie Verte
Because we love to bicycle when in France, we really enjoy the fact that you can access the Voie Verte from Saint-Gengoux-le-National. The old train station has been converted into a bicycle rental location where you can rent pedal carts, bicycles, tandems and more for use in the area. On the Voie Verte you will meet walkers, inline skaters, cyclists, and in general a very friendly group of people enjoying a predominately shaded, paved path.
One of the exits off the Voie Verte into St-Gengoux
Some of my favorite views from our cycle rides are of the sunflower fields and the vineyards!
Sunflower fields near Saint-Gengoux
Cycle by vineyards and sunflower fields near Saint-Gengoux when you ride the Voie Verte
Saint-Gengoux-le-National Markets
Twice monthly on the first and third Tuesdays there is a lively market in the center of town. There is also a large Night Market (Marché Nuit) in July and August. We enjoyed the Night Market so much our first visit that subsequent visits were planned to coincide with this market.
Saint-Gengoux-le-National, night market
Click on the night market picture for more photos of the town, markets and surrounding area and click here for the local gazette
I would be remiss if I did not share with you some of my favorite shops! The top on my list is La maison du terroir which displays and sells wares from local artisans. There is also Vignerons de Buxy (rue de Longmeau) is a wine cooperative that has an excellent wine selection from this region of France. The folks here are very friendly. They are willing to explain the wines and let you sample (un degustation) before you make a purchase.
Maximarché is the local supermarket. We supplemented our trips to the fresh air market here. There are also two boulangeries in town for your baguette needs. We found both boulangeries to be equally good.
In addition, we especially enjoy the shop that sells the wares of local artisans. Of course, no visit to town is complete without a stop at the local chocolate shop. Besides yummy chocolates, its cold interior is a welcome escape from the July heat!
Saint-Gengoux Chocolate Shop
About and Around Saint-Gengoux-le-National
There are lots of places to visit via car while you are here, Dijon, Beaune, Cluny and Chalon-sur-Saone are all close by and Cluny is easily reached via bicycle on the Voie Verte. I always have a sense of “too much to see, too little time” no matter how long we stay.
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