In the heart of Burgundy, at the gateway to the Morvan Regional Nature Park, lies the exceptional town of Autun. City of Art and History, this extraordinary destination will delight those who love culture, nature and discovery, all in a setting particularly conducive to escape.
The town of Autun is located in the department of Saône-et-Loire. A fantastic destination for those who love culture and history in the heart of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, Autun is about thirty kilometres north of Le Creusot and 40 kilometres from Montceau-les-Mines. Founded by the Romans at the beginning of the rule of Emperor Augustus, this prosperous city still boasts a marvellous ancient, medieval and 19th century heritage which will not fail to delight lovers of old stones. As far as ancient heritage is concerned, it is the Roman Theatre that you should visit: built in 70 AD, this splendid, well-maintained theatre is one of the most visited sites in Autun, as is the Temple of Janus. Only vestige in elevation, this temple of Gallic origin is one of the oldest monuments of the town. The magnificent Porte d'Arroux (1st century), the Porte Saint-André, the Pierre de Couhard and the ancient ramparts complete the inventory of ancient sites in Autun. Surrounded by 6 kilometres of ramparts pierced by 4 gates, the historic heart of Autun is a real open-air museum! You can discover a fascinating medieval heritage: the Saint-Lazare cathedral dominated by its imposing 15th century stone spire, the Tour des UrsuIines, the Velée chapel, but also the Saint-Georges priory, and the 13th century recumbent figures of the Anors church are not to be missed. As for the 19th century, there are also some beautiful buildings to be seen, such as the Autun Town Hall, the panopticon prison of 1854, the superb Passage Balthus located on rue du Général Demetz, or the Municipal Theatre that you can discover right next to the Town Hall.
In order to allow you not to miss any of the richness of its heritage, Autun has set up numerous tourist circuits that are perfect for discovering its smallest treasures at your own pace. The Circuit Ville Haute, the Circuit Augustodunum, the walk around the Arnoux Valley (perfect for hikers), the Itinéraire Verte trail or the Autun countryside tour for families, ideal for mountain biking, are among the most recommended itineraries. And if you prefer to take a break from the city life and go into the heart of nature, put on your trainers and grab your bike to go on an adventure on the circuit "le Morvan des Sommets, entre culture et nature" (the Morvan of the Summits, between culture and nature) which will take you along winding roads through the relief of the Burgundy countryside. In all, nearly 60 hiking trails will allow you to discover the beauty of the Grand Autunois Morvan!
Finally, first flight, visit Autun and its region in a hot air balloon, climbing, golf, fishing, tennis, canoeing and hiking at the Marcel Lucotte leisure centre, discovery of local arts and crafts, gourmet tastings of goat honey, foie gras and local jams, kayak excursions and sensational activities on the Arroux, visits to museums, fairs and markets, bike rides and other outings in the countryside will not fail to complete this stay in Autun, in the Morvan.
