Autun is a small walled hill city in Saône-et-Loire department in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France.
Understand
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Steeped in Roman history, complete with a spectacular Romanesque spire standing proud against the Morvan hills, Autun, formerly Augustodunum, was a garrison town during the Roman Empire.
Although the lower parts of this city are fairly modern with bowling alleys, McDonald's and lots of students milling around, stroll further into the heart of the centre and you find yourself wandering through numerous winding streets lined with fantastic architecture, quaint shops, cafes and restaurants before reaching the rather impressive cathedral.
It’s small enough to access everything on foot, but large enough to hold your interest for quite some time. It also has a beautiful French atmosphere that is just waiting for you to soak up!
Get in
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Autun is accessible by bus or car, via secondary roads.
You can fly to Lyon, about 2 hours away by car.
Get around
[edit]It's best to walk through the walled city centre.
See
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- The very well-preserved Roman walls which still surround most of the city.
- 1 Autun cathedral (cathédrale Saint-Lazare , Cathedral of St. Lazarus). The 12th-century historic edifice, famous for the superb artwork of the Romanesque master Gislebertus, considered as among the most vital Romanesque churches in the country. Originally, the structure was intended to be a pilgrimage church, as it was dedicated to Lazarus, the man who was raised from death by Jesus. His relics, said to have been found in the area in the 12th century, were preserved in this cathedral. Lazarus, the brother of Mary Magdalene, has his traditional tomb in Bethany near Jerusalem.
- 2 Saint-André Gate. The Porte Saint-André is a well-preserved Roman city gate dating from the 1st century AD, once forming part of Autun’s ancient fortifications. Built with four arches and an upper gallery,
- 3 Roman Theatre. The Roman Theatre of Autun is one of the largest in Gaul, built in the 1st century AD and once seating up to 20,000 spectators. Partially restored, it still hosts occasional performances and offers a vivid glimpse into the scale of Roman public life in ancient Augustodunum
- 4 Temple of Janus. The Temple of Janus is a well-preserved Gallo-Roman sanctuary located just outside the ancient city walls of Autun. Dating from the 1st century AD, its tall stone walls still rise impressively, although the roof is long gone; despite its name, the temple was likely dedicated to a local or Roman deity rather than Janus.
- 5 Porte d'Arroux. The Porte d’Arroux is the most impressive of Autun’s surviving Roman gates, dating from the 1st century AD. Featuring four arches and remnants of an upper arcade, it once marked the northern entrance to Augustodunum and stands near the Arroux River.
- 6 Musée Rolin. The Musée Rolin is housed in a 15th-century townhouse and showcases an impressive collection of regional archaeology, medieval sculpture, and fine arts. Highlights include Gallo-Roman artifacts and works by local artist Gislebertus, best known for the sculptures of nearby Autun Cathedral.
- 7 Pyramid of Couhard. The Pyramid of Couhard is a mysterious Roman-era monument located just outside Autun, believed to date from the 1st century AD. Likely serving as a funerary or commemorative structure, this pyramid-shaped ruin stands as a rare and unusual example of Roman architecture in Gaul, with scenic views over the surrounding countryside.
- 8 Passage Balthus. The Passage Balthus is a quiet pedestrian passage named after the painter Balthus who spent time in the town.
- 9 Tour des Ursulines. The Tour des Ursulines is a medieval tower that once formed part of Autun’s defensive walls. Today it serves as an exhibition space and viewpoint.
- 10 Lycée Militaire. The Lycée Militaire d’Autun is a prestigious French military secondary school housed in historic buildings that once belonged to a seminary. Founded in the 19th century, it continues to train students within a disciplined academic environment and is not generally open to casual visitors,
Do
[edit]The countryside in this area is truly breathtaking, from the Parc Regional du Morvan with its forest-clad hills and cascading streams to authentic French villages where you can sit by the river with a freshly-made croissant and simply soak up the atmosphere.
Buy
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There are numerous shops to peruse in Autun, but most alluring are the chocolate shops and patisseries.
Eat
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[edit]Sleep
[edit]Try something other than a hotel: there are a few maison d'hotes/chambres d'hotes (bed and breakfasts) in or near the town.
- 1 Maison Saint Barbe, 7 Place Sainte Barbe, ☏ +33 3 85 86 24 77.
- Moulin Renaudiots, chemin du Vieux Moulin, ☏ +33 385 86 97 10, +33 6 16 97 47 80, [email protected]. 4 star accommodation
Go next
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