Semur-en-Auxois
Semur-en-Auxois is in the Cote-d'Or department of Burgundy, 20 km south of Montbard and 30km north of Saulieu.
A legend tells that Hercules built Semur after returning from Spain. I'm afraid I can't confirm whether this is true! However it did play an important role in the Burgundian strategy during the Hundred Years War (whane the Dukes of Burgundy were opposed to the French throne).
The town is one of the most popular attractions of the region - not surprising for it is a pretty town, built on a pink granite rocky outcrop and watched over by the stout round towers of the castle.
Downside? Well, the highlight of a visit is undoubtedly the first view as you approach the town, and see the towers poised high above the river. Close-up the town can perhaps only be an anti-climax - the towers are, well, just towers.
But don't let that discourage you! Semur-en-Auxois (on the Armancon River) has a wealth of cobbled streets lined with ancient houses, shops and cafes and unusual features to explore and enjoy. The architecture is a mixture of half-timbered properties and more 'recent' houses with characterful faded shutters and wrought iron balconies.
Passing through the clock-gate at the top of the town you find a small open square with several restaurants and shops to explore. Other particular sights in the town include:
- the four towers, all that remains of Semur's castle (don't miss the traditional wooden 'chessboard' roof of the Renaissance Tower).
- the Pont Joly across the River,
- the Notre Dame church - this 13th century church is perhaps best described as 'exuberant gothic', and stands on the main square in the town, the Place Notre-Dame. There is a small park behind the church, perhaps the best place to see it from.
One other pleasurable pastime is to walk around the ramparts of Semur-en-Auxois.
Be sure to also walk down to the river and see the views from the bridge - both up to the town, and either way along the picturesque river valley itself. You can follow the river a little way to a 19th century lavoir (washhouse), although access to the river itself is unfortunately quite limited for part of the way, being behind houses.
If you visit during the summer you can take the little tourist 'train' guided-tour of Semur-en-Auxois.
There is also a small museum celebrating the long history of the town, housed in the 17th century Convent of the Jacobins.
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Tourist Classifications for Semur-en-Auxois
- approved Station Verte - resort paying particular attention to its natural environment
Places to visit near Semur-en-Auxois, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Semur-en-Auxois.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
22 km: Flavigny (Most beautiful village) 15 km: Fontenay Abbey (World Heritage Site) 15 km: Montbard (town) 26 km: Morvan Regional Park (Regional Parc) 26 km: Saulieu (Town)
See also Semur-en-Auxois (version Francais)
