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Saulieu

Visit Saulieu (Burgundy, France)

Saulieu is a small town in the Cote-d'Or department of Burgundy, south of Semur-en-Auxois.

The most important role for Saulieu is perhaps as a base for exploring the Morvan Natural Park, but the town itself also merits a visit, and has some interesting monuments to discover.

Your visit will undoubtedly start with the most important of these monuments, the basilica.

Saint-Andoche Basilica of Saulieu

The 12th century basilica, constructed in the romanesque style, is the centre-piece for the town and has recently been renovated. Built on the site of an even earlier abbey dating back to the 8th century, it is a substantial church, unusually with towers of unequal height either side of the main facade. Inside Saulieu basilica pay particular attention to the carvings of the capitals (the decorted rock at the top of the supporting columns)

Note: the original cathedral structure was significantly larger than the one we see today, but a part was destroyed by the English when they invaded the town during the Hundred Years War in 1359.

Other sights in Saulieu

The pretty little church and cemetery at the church of Saint-Saturnin (southern end of Saulieu) also deserves a visit. You will immediately notice the pointed tower on the church, originally built in the 14th century but modified several times since.

Taking a stroll around Saulieu old town you will also come across various picturesque streets and half-timbered buildings, a couple of interesting statues, and the 18th century town hall.

There is also a museum in Saulieu celebrating the works of French animal sculptor Francois Pompon. Pompon (1855-1933) was a one time apprentice of Auguste Rodin.

(Note: photo is copyright)

Photos taken within 10 km

Address: Saulieu, Montbard, Cote d'Or, Burgundy, 21210 || GPS: latitude 47.28, longitude 4.2322

Map of Saulieu & places nearby



 

Highlights close by

More suggestions: Avallon 34km; Flavigny 34km; Autun 37km; Montbard 39km; Fontenay Abbey 39km; Vezelay 42km;

See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Saulieu.
See Burgundy and Cote d'Or (the region and department for Saulieu) for more travel ideas...

Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Saulieu, France

• Basilique de Saint Andoche (Saulieu) - religious monument
• Parc de Saint-Léger - remarkable garden (7km)
• Jardin de la Chaux - remarkable garden (10km)
• Morvan - regional natural parc (10km)
• Potager du château de Lantilly - remarkable garden (31km)
• Chateauneuf-en-Auxois - most beautiful village (32km)
• Jardin du moulin de Athie - remarkable garden (32km)
• Flavigny - most beautiful village (34km)
• Alesia - grand site of france (35km)
• Parc et jardins du château de Sully - remarkable garden (35km)

Market days in Saulieu: Regular market(s) are held in Saulieu each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Saulieu (Francais)