France > France regions > Burgundy > Saone-et-Loire > Autun

Autun

Autun is in the Saône-et-Loire department of Burgundy.

Autun is a small town, sturdily surrounded by fortified walls (ramparts) around the old town, and in an attractive setting with the Morvan Hills behind. The town was an active and lively Roman centre, and it is still the Roman remains that are one of the big attractions.

The Cathedral St Lazare is an attractive Roman style cathedral within the town walls, and is above all famed for its carvings and sculptures. If you are rushing past at least see the tympanum above the west door for some of the best examples.

One unexpected treat to see in Autun is the old prison - set on a circular plan, it was one of the first prisons in France to be built around individual 'prison cells'.

Roman remains in Autun

The key Roman remains in and around Autun include two remaining gates, set in the fortified walls; the Roman amphitheatre; and the  Temple of Janus, although the remaining corner of the temple (see photo above) only hints at the grandeur of the original building. But the most interesting remain of all is perhaps the slightly curious pyramid Pierre de Couhard at the south of the town and outside the walls.

Autun: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Tourist Classifications for Autun

- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)

Places to visit near Autun

Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Autun.

Some places to visit within 30 km of Autun are shown below (if found).

See also Autun (version Francais)

Airports near Autun

No airports have been found within 150km. Please see France airports to locate other airports in the region.