Semur-en-Brionnais

Visit Semur-en-Brionnais, Burgundy

Semur-en-Brionnais is a village 25 km to the north of Roanne in the Saone-et-Loire department of Burgundy. It is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

Exploring Semur-en-Brionnais

Start your visit in the village centre, clustered around an open square surrounded by attractive traditional Burgundy houses, and with a few adjacent small side streets to explore.

There are various buildings of note here including the town hall (dating from 1780); the 17th century house where salt-taxes were paid (these salt taxes were the causes of many revolts in the 18th century); the Saint-Hugues Priory; an ancient lavoir (public washhouse); and several grand townhouses dating from the 16th-18th centuries.

Take a look also at the Maison du Chapitre which you can enter to see the painted ceiling in one of the rooms.

Another way to enjoy the village is to follow the grassy path that follows the original defensive ramparts. Walking round the path are some pretty views of the surrounding countryside.

Apart from the pretty village itself there are two reasons that people visit Semur-en-Brionnais.

Chateau de Saint-Hugues

The first is the remains of the Chateau de Saint-Hugues, best known for its collection of revolutionary posters. Dating back to the 11th century and with a square donjon dating from the 9th century the castle is said to be the oldest in Burgundy and was once home to the powerful Semur family. Open mid-March to mid-November, entrance 3 euros.

Historical note: Saint-Hugues, born in the castle, went on to found the Abbey at Cluny.

Collegiale Saint Hilaire

The second is the 12th century roman-style Collegiale Church of Saint Hilaire. Note particularly the octagonal belltower with an elaborate diminishing stone arch structure, the ornate carvings around the doorway and the chimney decorated with 17th century paintings inside.

Attractions nearby

The surrounding region to the south of Burgundy is known as the Brionnais and is a region of gentle countryside that is very pleasant to explore.

There are several treasures to discover such as the priory at Anzy-le-Duc, the roman style churches at Iguerande and Montceaux l'Etoile (there are many other roman churches in the region) and the basilica at Paray-le-Monial.

There are also many small villages of interest such as Oyé with the garden of Chaumont Chateau and Marcigny with a sculpture garden.

See Burgundy and Saone-et-Loire (the region and department for Semur-en-Brionnais) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Semur-en-Brionnais: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Photos of Semur-en-Brionnais

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Suggested places to visit near Semur-en-Brionnais, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Solutre-Pouilly 49km;

Semur-en-Brionnais tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint Hilaire (Semur-en-Brionnais) - religious monument (0km) : Eglise de Saint Marcel (Iguerande) - religious monument (6km) : Prieuré d'Anzy-le-Duc (Anzy-le-Duc) - religious monument (7km) : Jardin du château de Chaumont - remarkable garden (10km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul (Montceaux-l'Etoile) - religious monument (10km) : Les jardins Romans de Varenne-l'Arconce - remarkable garden (10km) : Eglise de Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens (Varenne-l'Arconce) - religious monument (10km) : Couvent des Cordeliers (Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu) - religious monument (12km) :

See more places and a map at places near Semur-en-Brionnais