Taste the multiple flavors from the Anis de Flavigny candy, a symbol of Burgundy gastronomy

Nestled in the rolling hills of the epicurean Burgundy region, in one of the most beautiful villages in France, a small white candy continues to tell a centuries-old story. Far from passing trends, the Anis de Flavigny embodies the legacy of ancient traditions and the refinement of a flavor unchanged over time. By AP & ST 

This sweet amstory of those Anis de Flavigny started in Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, in the Côte-d’Or region, where Benedictine monks established themselves in the local abbey in the 8th century. They began cultivating green anise (aniseed), prized for its digestive properties, and slowly started to coat the seeds in sugar, creating a treat that was both medicinal and indulgent. At the time, these candies were offered to travelers and pilgrims, symbolizing hospitality and distinction (photo credits: Anis de Flavigny).

This heritage has been passed down through the centuries, surviving revolutions, wars, and industrial changes. In 1923, the Troubat family took over the production in the former abbey buildings. Today, the manufacturing process of those delicious Anis de Flavigny remains local, artisanal, and true to its spiritual origins.

At the heart of every Anis de Flavigny lies a single green anise seed, delicately coated in multiple layers of sugar syrup. This traditional technique, known as dragéification (sugar-coating), takes about 15 days. In large copper pans, the seeds are slowly rotated, while being sprayed with syrup, forming a delicious smooth, oval-shaped candy, with a crisp texture.

There are no additives, no artificial coloring, and no preservatives involved. The entire process follows time-honored gestures and a near-meditative rhythm, far from modern industrial practices.

While the original anise-flavored version remains the most iconic, the Flavigny workshop has expanded its range with new natural flavors to delight a variety of tastes, starring orange blossom, violet, mint, lemon, blackcurrant, and rose, to name a few.

The candy‘s packaging adds to its charm, mostly embodied in an emblematic oval tin packaging, decorated with various romantic, pastoral scenes, has become a vintage icon, appealing to both tradition-lovers and fans of authentic retro design.

Now officially recognized as a Living Heritage Company (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant), this Anis de Flavigny legend somehow nowadays represents the very best of a certain French artisanal excellence. Exported to over 35 countries, this little candy has become a global ambassador of Burgundy’s rich cultural and culinary legacy.

Visiting Flavigny means stepping into a storybook setting, where medieval streets meet fragrant candy-scented air. Here, any candy is not just a random product, since it’s a memory, a symbol, and above all a true way of life, since tasting an Anis de Flavigny means more than to experiencing a simple sweet, but savoring a true piece of history.

More details on their official website.