Semur-en-Auxois Attractions

The little town of Semur-en-Auxois (pop. 4,451), situated on a rocky ridge above the river Armançon, northwest of Dijon, has preserved much of its medieval aspect, with remains of a castle, the 15th C Porte de Sauvigny, one of the old town gates, and many handsome old houses. On the highest point is the Gothic church of Notre-Dame (13th-14th C), which was restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the mid 19th C. Notable features of the church are the tympanum of the north doorway, an "Entombment" of 1490, a rich treasury of works of art and beautiful 14th century stained glass. The old Jacobin convent (17th century) now houses the Municipal Library and Museum. The Tour de l'Orle d'Or, a remnant of the old castle, contains geological material, archeological finds and folk art.

9km/6miles southwest is this handsome 14th C castle (restored in the 19th C).