Centred around a medieval core, Semur-en-Auxois is a historic town in the Côte-d’Or department of eastern France. It was built atop a pink granite bluff in a hairpin bend of the Armançon River, which once powered the town’s tanneries and mills. During the Hundred Years War, Semur-en-Auxois played a strategic role for the Burgundian Dukes in their opposition to the French throne.
Things to do in Semur-en-Auxois
Stroll through the heart of Semur-en-Auxois to explore its cobblestone streets, which are lined with half-timbered houses, independent stores and cafes. Dominating the town centre is the Collegiale Notre-Dame, a 13th-century church topped by a 58-metre-high octagonal tower. Stained-glass windows depicting shearing, weaving and washing decorate one of its chapels.
All that remains of Semur-en-Auxois’s castle are its four towers, with the Tour de l'Orle d’Or accessible on guided tours. Learn about the town’s fascinating past while admiring views of the Collegiale Notre-Dame and the picturesque countryside of the Armançon Valley. Nearby is the Pont Pinard, a charming stone bridge that spans the Armançon River.
Occupying a former convent is the Musee de Semur en Auxois, which houses an impressive collection of medieval sculptures and archaeological findings. You can get up close to plasterwork from the workshop of Augustin Dumont and paintings by Claude Vignon and Étienne Bouhot. If you’re travelling with kids, they can explore the museum along the Children’s Trail, which includes educational trunks and games.
Getting around Semur-en-Auxois
Semur-en-Auxois is just over an hour’s drive from Dijon and a little under three hours from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Semur-en-Auxois and the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.