For a stay in Brianny, religious heritage meets practical information for hiking. The Chapelle Sainte-Apolline stands in the countryside just outside the village. Stone crosses, a marked route, and a footbridge near the Moulin Bordot offer further points of reference for exploring the area.
Chapelle Sainte-Apolline and the Dance of Death
The Chapelle Sainte-Apolline is part of the religious heritage of the Terres d’Auxois and features a Dance of Death. It is one of only two buildings in France to house an extended Dance of Death sequence depicting men and women. This distinctive series of images gives the religious theme a clear connection to the place. If you are interested in religious art, the mural is a highlight of a visit to the chapel.
The rectangular, single-nave hall adds the building’s architectural form to the view of the mural. “Single-nave” means that the main space has no side aisles; the term therefore describes the layout of the space, not the size of the chapel. This allows you to consider two different aspects: the shape of the nave and the Dance of Death motif on the wall. The architecture and the mural each make their own impression.
Visiting the chapel and access to the mural
Self-guided visits to the Chapelle are organized through the town hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The Dance of Death mural has a separate access restriction: it is made accessible only occasionally, by appointment. The regular hours for self-guided visits therefore do not mean that the mural is accessible at all times. Check the current arrangements in advance; access information may change.
Stone crosses in Brianny
Brianny has two stone crosses dating from the 16th century. The cross at the northern entrance to the village bears an image of Mary Magdalene. These add further religious imagery to the theme of the chapel. Their locations also provide orientation: the Chapelle is just outside the village, while the cross mentioned here is at the northern entrance. This makes it easy to distinguish the different heritage sites from one another.
Hiking and local transport
The Bibracte-Alésia route can be accessed from Brianny and is marked in yellow and blue. If you are planning a longer hike, check both the connections and the markings beforehand. This will help you take the route information into account before setting out.
A second footbridge at the Moulin Bordot crosses the river and serves the hiking trail. It is therefore both a river crossing and a landmark along the route. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out on a hike.
Taxi Violaine is based at 34 Rue de la Martolle in Brianny and offers journeys throughout the Auxois for all distances. If you are planning to use the service for a trip, check availability and service details in advance, as they may change.
Discover more destinations: Jours-Lès-Baigneux, Fixin, Châtellenot, La Motte-Ternant, Champagny, Barbirey-Sur-Ouche, Ruffey-lès-Beaune, Argilly
For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.
