Semur-en-Auxois Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Semur-en-Auxois with this comprehensive travel guide, including the best things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.


Introduction to Semur-en-Auxois

Semur-en-Auxois is a charming medieval town located in the heart of Burgundy, France. Its historic old town is perched on a hill overlooking the Armançon river, surrounded by lush green hills and vineyards. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning views. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or a romantic weekend trip.

List of Places to Visit in Semur-en-Auxois

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Tower of Semur-en-Auxois: This 13th-century tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Semur-en-Auxois. Visitors can climb to the top for stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.

  • Musée Municipal: This museum showcases the history of Semur-en-Auxois and its surrounding region through a collection of art, artifacts, and historical documents.

  • Eglise Notre-Dame: This beautiful church dates back to the 13th century and features stunning stained-glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Semur-en-Auxois: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Canal de Bourgogne: This beautiful canal runs through Semur-en-Auxois and is a popular spot for boat tours, cycling, and hiking.

  • Parc des Douves: This park features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.

  • Lac de Pont: A peaceful lake located just a short drive from Semur-en-Auxois, where visitors can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and boating.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Semur-en-Auxois

Semur-en-Auxois and the surrounding region offer plenty of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. A popular route is the Canal de Bourgogne Cycling Path, which follows the canal through beautiful countryside and towns.

Best Things to Do in Semur-en-Auxois: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting: Burgundy is known for its exceptional wines, and Semur-en-Auxois is the perfect place to try them. Book a wine tour and taste the region’s best bottles.

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience the beauty of Semur-en-Auxois and the surrounding region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

  • Semur-en-Auxois Castle: Take a guided tour of the medieval castle and learn about its history and architecture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Semur-en-Auxois

Day 1: Explore the old town of Semur-en-Auxois, including the Tower and Church of Notre-Dame.

Day 2: Take a boat tour of the Canal de Bourgogne and enjoy lunch at one of the canal-side restaurants.

Day 3: Visit the Musée Municipal and the Eglise Notre-Dame.

Day 4: Take a hot air balloon ride over Semur-en-Auxois and the surrounding countryside.

Day 5: Visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting tour.

Day 6: Explore the Parc des Douves and take a hike around the lake.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful gardens of Semur-en-Auxois.

Food and Drink Scene of Semur-en-Auxois

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beef Bourguignon: One of the most famous dishes in Burgundy, made with beef cooked in red wine and served with vegetables and potatoes.

  • Escargots de Bourgogne: This traditional dish of Burgundy features snails cooked in butter, garlic, and parsley.

  • Coq au Vin: Another classic Burgundian dish, made with chicken cooked in red wine with bacon and mushrooms.

Local Beverages

  • Burgundy Wine: The region is known for its exceptional wines, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

  • Kir: A popular local drink made with white wine and crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur).

Where to Stay in Semur-en-Auxois: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Semur-en-Auxois offers plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some popular options include:

  • Hotel de la Côte d’Or: This charming hotel is located in the heart of Semur-en-Auxois and features beautiful views of the town and the Armançon river.

  • La Ferme de la Lochere: This guesthouse is located just a short drive from Semur-en-Auxois and offers beautiful countryside views and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere.

  • Youth Hostel: Located in the heart of Semur-en-Auxois, this hostel offers budget-friendly accommodation for solo travelers and groups.

What to Buy in Semur-en-Auxois: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wine: Burgundy is known for its exceptional wine, and Semur-en-Auxois offers plenty of opportunities to buy bottles from local vineyards.

  • Mustard: Dijon mustard is a famous local product, and visitors can buy jars of the authentic, high-quality stuff in Semur-en-Auxois.

  • Pottery: The town is home to several pottery shops, where visitors can buy handmade bowls, plates, and other ceramics.

Local Culture and Customs of Semur-en-Auxois

Semur-en-Auxois is a small, historic town with a strong sense of local pride and tradition. Visitors are encouraged to respect the town’s cultural heritage and to participate in local events and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Semur-en-Auxois

The best time to visit Semur-en-Auxois is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the countryside is in full bloom. Fall is also a beautiful time to visit, as the leaves change colors and the vineyards are busy with harvest season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Semur-en-Auxois

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions

  • Try the local wine and cuisine

  • Participate in local events and festivals

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage historic buildings

  • Be loud or disruptive in public

  • Ignore the local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Semur-en-Auxois

Semur-en-Auxois is a safe town for visitors, with low levels of crime and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should still take basic precautions like locking doors and windows and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Semur-en-Auxois

The town has several pharmacies and medical centers in case of emergency. Visitors should make sure they have adequate health insurance before traveling.

Getting to Semur-en-Auxois: Transportation Options and Logistics

Semur-en-Auxois is located in the heart of Burgundy and is easily accessible by car, train, or bus.

Airports Near Semur-en-Auxois

The nearest airports to Semur-en-Auxois are Dijon-Bourgogne Airport (about an hour’s drive) and Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (about two hours’ drive).

Bus Stations Near Semur-en-Auxois

Several bus companies operate in Burgundy, with connections to major cities like Dijon and Paris.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Semur-en-Auxois or take a train to the nearby town of Montbard and then take a bus or taxi to Semur-en-Auxois.

How to Get Around in Semur-en-Auxois

The town is small enough to explore on foot, but visitors can also rent bikes or take a taxi to explore the surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Semur-en-Auxois: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Dijon: The capital of Burgundy is famous for its wine, mustard, and historic buildings.

  • Beaune: A charming town in the heart of the region’s vineyards, with a beautiful old town and plenty of wine tasting options.

  • Fontenay Abbey: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a short drive from Semur-en-Auxois and known for its beautiful gardens and architecture.

Conclusion

Semur-en-Auxois is a beautiful, historic town that offers visitors a glimpse into the heart of Burgundy. From its stunning medieval architecture to its beautiful countryside and world-class wine, Semur-en-Auxois has something to offer every traveler. Plan your trip today and prepare to be charmed by this hidden gem in the heart of France.

Towers of Semur Towers of Semur General view of the town, with the church in the middle ground General view of the town, with the church in the middle ground St. Luke, as depicted on the façade of the Collégiale Notre-Dame St. Luke, as depicted on the façade of the Collégiale Notre-Dame Inside the Fontenay Abbey Inside the Fontenay Abbey