Cote d'Or travel guide

North Cote d'Or

The Chatillonais region to the north-west of the department is an extensive protected forested area.

In the heart of the Chatillonais region you can visit the riverside village of Chatillon-sur-Seine, especially well known because of the ancient 'treasure of Vix' found nearby and now on display in a museum in the town. Also in Chatillon-sur-Seine you should visit the lovely 10th century Church of Saint-Vorles.

South-west of here and to the east of Montbard we highly recommend a visit to the world famous Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World heritage Site. The extensive collection of abbey buildings here is beautifully preserved and also in a very picturesque setting, and the highlight of your visit to the region!

Between Chatillon and Montbard at Bussy-le-Grand you can visit the Chateau de Bussy-Rabutin - an understated castle, best known for its paintings and interior decoration.

Close to Fontenay Abbey, the town of Montbard is a three star 'ville fleurie' (town in bloom) traversed by the Burgundy canal and a pleasant town to explore. The most important site is the impressive Parc Buffon, named after a famous 18th century French naturalist.

You can find more evidence of Buffon's importance to the region when you visit the nearby 18th century 'Forges de Buffon' or take a stroll through the gardens at Montigny-Montfort castle.

Continuing south from Montbard, be sure to visit the attractive small town at Semur-en-Auxois, with an extensive historic centre and certainly among the most picturesque towns in the Cote d'Or department.

To the east of Semur, Flavigny is a beautiful village with fortified walls and an interesting selection of religious buildings to admire.

The village of Flavigny was made famous when it was used for the setting of the popular film 'Chocolat'. In the village you will also see aniseed being made by local monks.

At Saint-Thibault, south-west of Flavigny, you can see the impressive romanesque style doorway and interior of the 13th century church. Also close to here is the site of Alésia, where Julius Caesar had his final battle with the Gauls, and now listed as one of the 'Grand Sites of France'. Excavations at the site attempt to prove that it was indeed site of the great final battle.

South-west Cote d'Or

To the south-west of the department the town of Saulieu is best known for its 12th century romanesque style basilica. Saulieu is situated within the the rolling woodland countryside of the Morvan Regional Parc, an extensive natural region very popular with hikers and cyclists.

The Castle Rochepot towards the south-west border of the department dates in part form the Middle Ages and is one of the most attractive and interesting in Cote d'Or, with numerous turrets, a multi-coloured roof, and attractive gardens.

Close to here at the village of Vauchignon we suggest a walk around the 'Cirque du Bout du Monde', a circular cliff in a woodland setting.

South east Cote d'Or

Start your visit to the south-east at Dijon, the capital of the department. Bearing many traces of its rich and illustrious past, Dijon has many monuments of interest and is one of our favourite towns in France - and also of course famous for Dijon mustard!

To the north-east of Dijon you can visit the small village at Beze, then to the south-west of the town we recommend you explore the pretty hilltop village at Chateauneuf-en-Auxois.

Towards the southern border of the department be sure to see Beaune, a pleasant town with the medieval Hotel-Dieu (medieval hospital) complex a highlight of your visit. Of course, Beaune also gives its name to one of the most prestigious wine regions in France.

Also close to Beaune, the village of Saint-Romain is in an attractive setting and Nolay has a small but picturesque historic centre with a medieval market hall and houses.

The interesting town of Auxonne on the Saone River to the south-west of here also has several historical buildings including a cathedral and castle and an attractive centre to explore.