2024 Semur-en-Auxois Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

The Auxois region of Semur-en-Auxois

The Auxois region (Pays d'Auxois) lies to the west of Dijon, along the Burgundy Canal and its surroundings, where the Auxois region is lush and unspoiled. Here, there are vast mustard fields, wooded hills, and cliffs dotted with fortified hilltop towns, among which Semur is one. Without comparison, but based on online information, it seems to be a large-scale ancient fortress. When planning a self-driving trip, it's necessary to choose a midpoint for a rest. Dijon would be the most suitable since I've been there before, so I chose a tourist spot in the vicinity as a midway stop. Unexpectedly, Semur, built on a granite hilltop with a picturesque view that is hard to believe, sits atop a steep cliff. Below, the Armançon River forms a horseshoe bay as it wraps around the granite hill, perhaps forced to yield by the hill itself. The only land route, a fortress built along the mountain, could stop any invading enemy, making Semur an impregnable granite stronghold. The arrangement of the four towering granite fortresses is meticulous, with suspended bridges connecting them in the middle, forming a defensive angle. Today, the remnants of the bridges are still visible, and one can imagine the scene from the past. The old town has cobblestone paths lined with charming houses. It was once a religious center with six monasteries in its heyday. At night, the illuminated city walls are even more enchanting. Passing by the tourist office information, there are two concentric medieval gates—Porte Sauvigne (1417) and the reinforced Porte Guillier (14th century), leading to the pedestrian street rue Buffon lined with 17th-century houses. Further ahead is Promenade du Rempart, offering a panoramic view from the medieval battlements of Semur. The 44-meter-high Tour de la Orle d'Or has a crack that has been there since 1589. The Gothic twin-towered church Collegiale Notre Dame; inside, there is a stained glass window (1927) and a plaque commemorating American soldiers who died in France during World War I. If you have the chance to pass by, stop and don't miss this scenery. There are hotels within the old town, though relatively pricey, staying outside the town is also an option. There are many fine hotels and B&Bs around the old town. Self-driving is very convenient, with many parking lots 🅿️ in the town, making it easy to find parking, and all public parking spaces in the town are free. A tour around the old town takes two to three hours, enough to visit some exhibition halls and theaters, but they are sparsely visited and may not be open during the off-season. According to the hotel reception, summer is the most beautiful season in Semur. The weather is cloudy with occasional light rain, and the photos are not very presentable, having stayed only one day. Beautiful photos all depend on the weather. Still, I'm shyly sharing with everyone.