Complete Travel Guide to Auzat-la-Combelle, France

Auzat-la-Combelle Auxonne is a commune in the Côte-d’Or department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France. Positioned at coordinates 45.45224°N, 3.31825°E, Auzat-la-Combelle occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Auzat-la-Combelle place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 184.0 meters above sea level, Auzat-la-Combelle benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Auzat-la-Combelle creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 7592 residents, Auzat-la-Combelle maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Auzat-la-Combelle represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Auzat-la-Combelle reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout France, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes province, Auzat-la-Combelle contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines France’s regional character. The role of Auzat-la-Combelle in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Auzat-la-Combelle discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of France while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Auzat-la-Combelle

History Water sports on the Saône #Origins Modern historians agree on doubting the veracity of the assertions contained in the _Chronicle ofSaint-Pierre de Bèze_ (the name of the monastery founded by _Amalgaire_ who is referred to as _Amauger_ in the _History of Burgundy_) in the first half of the 7th century concerning the term _Assona_ to refer to Auxonne in the first half of the 7th century.

The first three authentic instruments where the name _Auxonne_ appears date from 1172, 1173 and 1178 The first two are associated with Count Stephen II of Auxonne (died 1173) and the third is in a bull of Pope Alexander III The act of 1173 was a donation made by the Count to the monastery of Saint-Vivant de Vergy.

The pontifical act of 1178 was a confirmation of all the possessions of the priory of Saint- Vivant which included the town of Auxonne Religious rights of Auxonne date back to around 870, the date of establishment of their monastery in the _pagus_ (County) of Amous (or Amaous) in the Jura of Burgundy (later called the County of Burgundy then Franche-Comté), six miles from the Saône on land belonging to Agilmar, bishop of Clermont.

The place took the name which it still has today: Saint-Vivant-en-Amous (between Auxonne and Dole) The monks remained in Amous for more than twenty years; the Normans from Hastings destroyed the monastery when they invaded Burgundy Count Manassès built them a new monastery (circa 895–896) in Frankish Burgundy in the County of Beaune on the slopes of Mount Vergy.

While they were in Amous they cleared the area and installed fishermen’s huts along the Saône According to a hypothesis by some historians, these huts became the germ of the future town of Auxonne Installed in their remote region of Vergy, far from their difficult to defend lands, the monks of Saint-Vivant felt the need to subordinate (undoubtedly to William IV, Count of Vienne and Mâcon (died 1155)) their lands in Amous to remove the covetousness and retain their rights and properties.

According to a second hypothesis, the feudal lord established a new town along Saône which took the name of Auxonne Auxonne therefore was in the _pagus_ of Amous The division of the Treaty of Verdun of 843 placed Amous in the prize of Lothair I and, despite the complicated divisions that followed, this county was Holy Roman Empire land and fell within the sphere of influence of the Count of Burgundy – i.

Roman influence in Auzat-la-Combelle established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries the future Franche-Comté #The attachment to the Duchy of Burgundy The 1826 Ramparts on the south side The 1826 Ramparts on the south side In 1172 the city had grown in importance: Count Stephen I of Auxonne, the younger branch of Burgundy County and son of William (died 1157), had settled there.

His successor Stephen II, Count of Auxonne (died 1241) and son of the previous head of the younger branch of Burgundy County, was master of rich domains, ambitious, powerful, and supported by the premier families of the country, nourished some pre.

The historical trajectory of Auzat-la-Combelle demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Auzat-la-Combelle reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Auzat-la-Combelle remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography The city of Auxonne is located at the edge of Côte-d’Or department along the boundary between Burgundy and Franche-Comté some 30 km south-east of Dijon and 45 km west by south-west of Besançon. Access to the commune is by road D905 from Genlis in the north-west which passes through the town and continues south-east to Sampans. The D24 road goes south from the town to Labergement- lès-Auxonne, the D110A goes south-east to Rainans, the D208 goes east to Peintre, and the D20 goes north-east to Flammerans. There are very large forests along the western side of the commune and Auxonne town has a large urban area with the rest of the commune farmland. The western border of the commune is the Saône river as it flows south to eventually join the Rhône at Lyon. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Auzat-la-Combelle, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. The commune is at an altitude ranging between 181 m and 211 m which makes it virtually immune to floods that envelop the region during major floods. #Geology Auxonne belongs to a region called the plain of Saône. The plain, with Bresse, is a geo-morphological unit of the Bressan depression: an extensive collapsed formation dating from the Miocene extending from the Upper Rhine Plain and the Rhone basin. The plain of Saône is limited in the north by the Upper Saône plateau, to the west by the Burgundian limestone ridge, to the east by the plateaux of the Jura then by the Bresse, and finally to the south by the Beaujolais vineyards. The plain of Saône drops from 250 m altitude in the north to 175 m in the south-east is traversed by the river from north to south for over 150 km. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Auzat-la-Combelle, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. The city of Auxonne is specifically in the alluvial ribbon called the _Val de Saône_ – a band a few kilometres wide that follows the river. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Auzat-la-Combelle, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. Its immediate limit in the Auxonne area is ten kilometres to the east where there is a rise of the _Massif de la Serre_ to an altitude of about 400 metres. #Climate The climate of the Val de Saône has several conflicting influences but is still a dominant continental climate. It is marked, however, by an oceanic influence that is strongly attenuated by the hills of Morvan which acts as a barrier. There is also a meridional influence in summer which allows the Saône valley, an extension of the Rhone valley, to enjoy good sunshine which is also seen in late spring and early autumn thereby lengthening the summer. The valley location of Auzat-la-Combelle provides fertile agricultural land and strategic advantages for trade and communication. Finally there is the continental influence on the Saône valley climate with cold winters and sometimes late frosts. The valley location of Auzat-la-Combelle provides fertile agricultural land and strategic advantages for trade and communication. Fog is common from October to March (65 to 70 days per year). The summers are hot enough. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year with summer and winter relatively less than autumn and spring. Climate data for Auxonne (1981–2010 averages, extremes 1951−2007) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 16.

The topographic characteristics of Auzat-la-Combelle result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Auzat-la-Combelle region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Auzat-la-Combelle area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Auzat-la-Combelle has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Auzat-la-Combelle demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Auzat-la-Combelle create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate The climate of the Val de Saône has several conflicting influences but is still a dominant continental climate. It is marked, however, by an oceanic influence that is strongly attenuated by the hills of Morvan which acts as a barrier. There is also a meridional influence in summer which allows the Saône valley, an extension of the Rhone valley, to enjoy good sunshine which is also seen in late spring and early autumn thereby lengthening the summer. Finally there is the continental influence on the Saône valley climate with cold winters and sometimes late frosts. Fog is common from October to March (65 to 70 days per year). The summers are hot enough. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year with summer and winter relatively less than autumn and spring. Climate data for Auxonne (1981–2010 averages, extremes 1951−2007) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 16. 8) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5. 2) Daily mean °C (°F) 2. 5) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −0. 1) Record low °C (°F) −19. 1) Average precipitation mm (inches) 62. Rainfall patterns in Auzat-la-Combelle determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 45) Average precipitation days (≥ 1. Rainfall patterns in Auzat-la-Combelle determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 6 Source: Meteociel 1. “Normales et records pour Auxonne (21)”. Retrieved 16 June 2022.

The climatic regime of Auzat-la-Combelle reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Auzat-la-Combelle create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Auzat-la-Combelle determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Auzat-la-Combelle create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Auzat-la-Combelle demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Auzat-la-Combelle include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Culture and heritage The Town Hall #Civil heritage The commune has a number of buildings and structures that are registered as historical monuments: * A **House in parts of wood and brick** (15th century) * A **House** at 6 Rue du Bourg (1548) * The **Hotel Jean de la Croix** (15th century) * The **Civil and military Hospital** (17th century). The Hospital contains a very large number of items that are registered as historical objects. * The **Hospice Saint-Anne** (18th century) * The **Covered Market** (17th century) Other sites of interest * A **Farmhouse** at Louzerolle has a Group Sculpture: Virgin of Pity with base (15th century) that is registered as an historical object. * The **Railway station** has a Platform Railway Wagon (1913) that is registered as an historical object. * A **House** at Granges d’Auxonne has a Statue: Christ on the Cross (17th century) that is registered as an historical object. * A **House** at Rue Boileau has a Bas-relief with the Arms of the Bossuet family (17th century) that is registered as an historical object. * The **Bonaparte Museum** in the tower of the Chateau d’Auxonne has 2 Columns (16th century) that are registered as an historical object. * A **Barrage dam on the Saône** was built in 1840 and operated for 170 years until April 2011 when a modern dam (with inflatable mechanical shutters) of a Needle dam type took over. It is over 200 metres long and is divided into four sections of 50 metres each with a total of 1,040 needles to manoeuvre depending on the fluctuating water levels. * Old view of the Needle dam at Auxonne * The Needle dam in 2007 #Religious heritage The Church of Notre-Dame The commune has one religious building that is registered as an historical monument: The **Church of Notre-Dame** (13th century). The construction of the main part lasted all through the 13th century, first the nave in 1200, then the choir, apse, and the chapels between 1200 and 1250. The construction of the door started in the 14th century. The side chapels were raised in the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1516, under the direction of Master Loys – the architect of the church of Saint-Michel de Dijon – the construction of the portal surmounted by two towers of unequal heights began. In 1525 the Jacquemart (now disappeared) was installed in the tower. In 1858 a campaign of rehabilitation was organized under the auspices of the municipality and executed by Phal Blando, an architect in the town. This campaign included two side portals, implementation of a slender, octagonal, pyramidal, and slightly twisted tower called a Crooked spire. which is made from slate, rises 33 metres above its platform – 11 metres higher than the previous one. The church is also noteworthy for the gargoyles and statues (including prophets) that adorn the outside. The Church contains many items that are registered as historical objects: * A Platform Organ (17th century) * The i.

The cultural landscape of Auzat-la-Combelle represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Auzat-la-Combelle reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Auzat-la-Combelle continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Auzat-la-Combelle provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Auzat-la-Combelle demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Auzat-la-Combelle provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy The town has a branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Dijon.

The economic structure of Auzat-la-Combelle reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Auzat-la-Combelle often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Auzat-la-Combelle serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Auzat-la-Combelle demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Auzat-la-Combelle has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Auzat-la-Combelle focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation The commune has a railway station, Auxonne, on the Dijon–Vallorbe line.

Transportation infrastructure serving Auzat-la-Combelle reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout France. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Auzat-la-Combelle.

Regional connectivity from Auzat-la-Combelle provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Planning Your Visit to Auzat-la-Combelle

Successful visits to Auzat-la-Combelle require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Auzat-la-Combelle often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Auzat-la-Combelle include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Auzat-la-Combelle extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.

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Source: This article incorporates material from the Wikipedia article “Auxonne”.