Unveil the Charm of Medieval Semur-en-Auxois: A Must-Visit French Town worth Exploring
Hit the road from Annecy and head up to Burgundy region, stopping at Lyon, the capital of France, before settling in Semur-en-Auxois. This charming town is a must-visit destination on your France trip, especially if you're seeking a taste of the real French countryside.
Discover France beyond Paris, Bordeaux, the French Riviera, and the Alps by adding Semur-en-Auxois to your itinerary. Tucked away in the Burgundy region, this Semur showcases France's history, landscapes, and medieval architecture.
Getting to Semur-en-Auxois is a breeze, with multiple options available, such as train, car, or bus. The nearest train station is Montbard, a 20-minute drive away, and you can take a high-speed TGV train from Paris to Montbard in just an hour. Driving is also a great choice, offering you the chance to explore areas that trains and buses couldn't reach—like our 2-week RV trip. If you opt for the bus, just be aware that as a foreigner, renting a car is the most convenient choice.
Stepping into Semur feels like stepping into a medieval fairytale, thanks to its setting on a granite bluff with towering walls and circular towers. The town's streets are cobblestone, bordered by the Armançon River, creating stunning reflections of the castle and stone bridges.
Don't miss these Semur-en-Auxois landmarks:
- Tour de l'Orle d'Or: The town's most famous medieval tower, providing breathtaking panoramic views.
- Pont Joly: A picturesque stone bridge perfect for capturing Insta-worthy shots.
- Ramparts Walk: Stroll through the ancient fortifications and soak in the town's views.
History enthusiasts will love Semur-en-Auxois' rich medieval allure, which has been beautifully preserved. Exploring the town is like stepping back in time, with narrow cobblestone streets, gothic churches, and fortified gates.
Historical highlights include:
- Collégiale Notre-Dame: A stunning 13th-century Gothic church with breathtaking stained glass windows.
- Château de Semur-en-Auxois: The former castle, once protecting the town from invaders, with remains still standing today.
- Museum Semur-en-Auxois: Dive deeper into the town's history and art here.
Semur-en-Auxois serves as a gateway to the Burgundy region, famous for its wine and beautiful landscapes. If you have more time, nearby destinations like Flavigny-sur-Ozerain (one of France's "Les Plus Beaux Villages"), Abbaye de Fontenay (a UNESCO-listed monastery), and Chateau de Bussy-Rabutin (a Renaissance castle known for its romantic gardens) are worth a visit.
Walking around the town on foot is the best way to fully experience its medieval charm, despite the low arches and narrow cobblestone streets that may make it difficult for RVs to drive in many areas.
Semur-en-Auxois is less crowded and offers a more authentic French experience than touristy spots like Paris or Nice. If you're a slow traveler who loves history, nature, and culture, this town is for you. Visit during Spring (April-June) for fewer tourists and mild weather, Fall (September-November) for beautiful autumn colors, or Summer (July-August) for a lively atmosphere and festivals.
Fancy staying in a castle or a house near one? Charming hotels and bed & breakfasts like La Maison Fevret and Hotel Relais De La Cote D'or are available in the heart of Semur-en-Auxois. Since we were in our RV, we stayed at a nearby French Aire, but it'd be a blast to spend a night or two in the town itself.
If you're searching for an off-the-beaten-path, medieval destination in France, Semur-en-Auxois is worth a visit. We stumbled upon it by chance on our drive to Paris and were glad we did—it's truly a hidden gem. Pin this travel guide for your next France trip!
- To immerse oneself in an authentic French countryside experience, consider traveling to Semur-en-Auxois, hidden in the Burgundy region, as it showcases the region's history, landscapes, and medieval architecture.
- History enthusiasts will be captivated by the medieval allure of Semur-en-Auxois, with historical landmarks such as the Collégiale Notre-Dame, Château de Semur-en-Auxois, and Museum Semur-en-Auxois.
- For those seeking a unique travel experience off the beaten path, Semur-en-Auxois is a must-visit medieval destination in France that offers less crowding and a more authentic French lifestyle.
