The Best Things to Do in Semur-en-Auxois, Burgundy’s ‘Little Athens’

Last Updated on 7th October 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Perched on a pink granite cliff and almost completely encircled by the Armançon River, Semur-en-Auxois is a beautiful medieval town in Burgundy, with incredibly well-preserved ramparts. From its fairytale turrets to charming cobbled lanes, Semur is one of those places that transports you to another time. Often referred to as Burgundy’s ‘Little Athens’, this medieval treasure of France is best explored over the course of a day. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Semur-en-Auxois!

Where is Semur-en-Auxois?

Semur-en-Auxois can be found in the Côte-d’Or department of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (Burgundy) region in eastern France. The medieval commune actually sits around halfway between when driving from Paris and Lyon. In terms of the closest city, it is Burgundy’s capital and gateway, Dijon, which sits around an hour away.

Three days in Burgundy give a little taste of what there is to explore in France’s medieval heart, and Semur-en-Auxois is a particularly beautiful place to include. That said, if you have more time, I absolutely recommend spending up to a week in the region. It’s one of my favourite parts of France, and no amount of time here ever feels like enough!

How much time do you need to explore?

As the historic city centre is pretty tiny, you only really need a few hours to explore. I highly recommend combining a visit with the equally medieval town of Vézelay. So, I would dedicate either a morning wander or a leisurely afternoon stroll to exploring Semur-en-Auxois in its entirety.

Best things to do in Semur-en-Auxois

Wander around town

As with many of Burgundy’s smaller medieval towns, one of the best things to do is simply wander around and soak up the charm and vibe of the place. Semur-en-Auxois is easily walkable, and most of its historic heart is completely pedestrianised, so you can enjoy strolling around leisurely at your own pace.

Historic courtyard

One of my favourite spots while exploring Semur-en-Auxois had to be this little historic courtyard, filled with seating for the local eateries. The town is renowned for its stunning and remarkably well-preserved architecture, and this is one of the best places to see it (especially as you can sit and enjoy a coffee while you admire the red roofs and painted shutters).

See the iconic viewpoint

You can’t visit Semur-en-Auxois without seeing the town in all its glory. Thanks to its remarkably well-preserved ramparts, the town provides a postcard-perfect view of medieval France. As the town is perched high above on a pink granite cliff, there are actually a few places from where you can enjoy views of Semur’s turrets.

Head to Pont Joly for a view of the town that includes a reflection on the surface of the Armançon River. Or you can wander along to Pont Pinard, where you’ll see the stone bridge, ramparts, and collegiate church all from below.

Medieval gateways

Semur-en-Auxois is home to historic medieval gateways, including the Porte Sauvigny and Porte Guillier, both of which date back to the 14th century. One of the best things to do while wandering the town is to step through them and admire their intricately carved stone archways.

Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame

Crowning the town’s skyline, along with its iconic turrets, is one of the most refined Burgundian Gothic churches. Dedicated to Our Lady, Semur’s Notre-Dame has quietly watched over the town since the 13th and 14th centuries.

The church is particularly beautiful from the outside, with its flamboyant pinnacles, radiating chapels and intricate reliefs around the Porte des Bleds. Inside, you’ll find historic decoration, furniture and stained glass, as well as a large 18th-century organ. During the 19th century, the church was famously restored by the French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who worked on many of France’s most important medieval buildings (most famously, Carcassonne).

Where to stay in Semur-en-Auxois

If you are on a limited time in Burgundy and plan on visiting multiple places, I recommend basing yourself in a city like Dijon or Beaune.

Semur-en-Auxois makes for a beautiful but sleepy choice of place to stay in the Burgundy region. It’s a very small town with fewer than 5,000 people, so you’ll likely find that options for accommodation and restaurants are limited. However, it makes the perfect medieval French escape, especially if you are looking for a quieter stay. Here are a few suggestions for where to stay (based on web reviews):

Hotel Relais De La Cote D’or – Set within a historic coaching inn, this relaxed hotel has clean and comfortable rooms that boast original architectural features such as exposed brick walls, timber beams and wooden shutters. The hotel is located just 12 minutes from the town’s train station. Check prices and availability now.

L’ancienne comédie – Highly rated, this bed & breakfast offers a unique atmosphere. Guests can enjoy high ceilings, garden views, and rustic/eccentric decor. It feels like staying in a classic French dwelling rather than a hotel. Check prices and availability now.