History:
B.C. - 1789:
The fountain spring from La Roche (the rock face) itself is said to have healing properties. Beside the natural pool below the water cascade, there is evidence of ancient burial grounds. These ancient burial grounds surround an enormous rock outcrop which creates a high ritual mound where it is said pagan sacrifices took place. La Roche D'Hys seems to have been a gathering place for celebrations and rituals throughout its history. Vestiges of Celtic and Gallo Roman artifacts have been found on the site. During the Christian era, again, the healing properties of the springs attracted pilgrims to the fountain. In 1204 a small monastic colony was established at La Roche D'Hys. In the mid-16th century the domain of La Roche D'Hys was granted to Philippe Languet de Vitteaux, legal counselor to the King of France. His son, Claude Languet, built a small chapel in honour of the Virgin Mary near the healing spring and commissioned a huge iron cross to be erected on the top the ancient ritual mound. The "Calvaire", as it came to be called, was often used for public sermons on important Feast Days. Today the Chapel and Calvaire is private property and is not part of the Domaine des Arts.
The Farm Domaine: 1789-2000:
After the French Revolution, the ancient monastery
of La Roche D'Hys was abandoned and left in ruins. The land
was divided among several prominent Vitteaux families to farm. Rather
than remain in town as most of the new farm owners did, the inheritors
of the historic Roche D'Hys site used the remains of the monastery to
build a self contained Farm Domaine. This Domaine included the family
house and groups of outbuildings for crops and livestock, all of which
nestled on the plateau between the cliffs and the forests overlooking
the splendid valley below. The water from the mystical fountain spring
continued to nourish the surrounding land. The history and the physical
beauty of La Roche D'Hys continued to nurture the imagination of the
local populace. It remained a social and spiritual gathering place. It
soon became a favorite spot for family weekend outings.
During World War II Burgundy came under German occupation. La Ferme de
La Roche D'Hys was known in the region as a local centre for French
Underground activities. In August 1944 the entire farm was burned to the
ground in retaliation by the occupying troops.
At the end of the war, the house and the barns were rebuilt, once again
upon the remains of its historic redecessors, but it was constructed
bigger and better than ever. The vast new cattle barns and stables were
so state of the art they were referred to by the locals as 'Le Chateau
des Vaches.' The land was farmed for cattle, but segments of the forests
were sold off and the chapel fell into disrepair. In the year 2000 the
actual Ferme de La Roche D'Hys itself was sold and the opportunity of
restoring it as a spiritual and cultural meeting place was to be seized.
The Third Renaissance, 2000 +:
La Roche D'Hys - Domaine des Arts
La Roche D'Hys is an important site in the Auxois region of Burgundy. Its history has always been tied to major humanistic themes and the process of regeneration. It is the site, the environment, the physicality of the place which has inspired many centuries of human activity. Spiritual nourishment, creativity, appreciation of beauty, music, singing, dancing, ceremonies and celebrations have played a central role La Roche D'Hys, in its long history and the many cultures from the pre-Christian era to the 21st century.
In the years and decades to come, we hope
that this unique site, La Roche D'Hys - Domaine des Arts will
become a local, regional, and national and an international centre for
human regeneration, the creative arts and all forms of cultural
activity. A place where creative minds and spirits can come together to
share ideas, find new inspiration and revel in natures' wondrous gifts.