Saulieu is a small town in the Cote-d'Or department of Burgundy, south of Semur-en-Auxois.
Explore Saulieu
You will be in the region because you are exploring the natural environment of the Morvan regional natural park, and although Saulieu is quite a minor destination it merits a visit and has some notable 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. In front of the basilica you can see the Fountain Saint-Andoche.
The basilica entrance is one of the highlights, with its ornate carvings and stone columns. Inside Saulieu basilica pay particular attention to the carvings of the capitals (the decorated carved stones at the top of the supporting columns) as well as the wooden carvings in the stalls and the painted medieval statues.
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, as well as a statue of a bull by he artist in the town centre. Pompon (1855-1933) was a one time apprentice of Auguste Rodin.
Attractions nearby
The most important role for Saulieu is as a base for exploring the Morvan Natural Park. North of Saulieu you will certainly want to explore Semur-en-Auxois, one of our favourite historic towns in Burgundy.
You can find more travel ideas in the Cote d'Or guide and the Burgundy guide.
Arrange a visit to Saulieu
Hotels in Saulieu
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Map of Saulieu and places nearby
Visit near Saulieu with France This Way reviews
Morvan Regional Park
Morvan Regional Natural Park is a quiet region of unspoiled countryside with small fields, hedgerows and woodlands
Morvan Regional Park guide
Semur-en-Auxois
One of the prettiest of the Burgundy villages, Semur-en-Auxois has a very lively and extensive historic centre and a pretty riverside setting
Semur-en-Auxois guide
Chateauneuf-en-Auxois
The village of Chateauneuf-sur-Auxois, one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', also has an interesting castle
Chateauneuf-en-Auxois guide
Montreal
Behind its fortified entrance, the small village of Montreal is a very unspoiled medieval village
Montreal guide
Avallon
Avallon is a very pleasant town to explore with some very imposing medieval buildings, and the countryside of the Morvan Regional Park is very close by
Avallon guide
Flavigny
The village of Flavigny retains an ancient centre surrounded by fortified walls, and a very authentic historic atmoshere
Flavigny guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Cote d'Or
Address: Saulieu, Montbard, Burgundy, 21210, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.28, longitude 4.2322
Plan your visit to Saulieu, Cote d'Or
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Basilique de Saint Andoche (Saulieu): religious monument
- Parc de Saint-Léger: remarkable garden (7 km)
- Jardin de la Chaux: remarkable garden (10 km)
- Morvan: regional natural parc (10 km)
- Potager du château de Lantilly: remarkable garden (31 km)
- Chateauneuf-en-Auxois: most beautiful village (32 km)
- Jardin du moulin de Athie: remarkable garden (32 km)
- Flavigny: most beautiful village (34 km)
- Alesia: grand site of france (35 km)
- Siège d'Alésia: site of natural beauty (35 km)
- Parc et jardins du château de Sully: remarkable garden (35 km)
- Eglise de Saint Barthélémy (Cervon): religious monument (36 km)
Market days in Saulieu, France
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)