Auxois & West Dijon information

The Auxois area has become the Burgundy area of choice for those that do not specifically need to be in the wine area. It nearness to Dijon, its magnificent and lively medieval towns around Semur-en-Auxois, the Burgundy Canal, its many castles, make this a great area to explore and live.

The Auxois is the rural area located West of Dijon. It is located in the Cote d'Or department. It counts many medieval villages.

Semur-en-Auxois
In the heart of the Auxois is the town of Semur-en-Auxois.This is a very picturesque town with attractive houses, antique ironmongery on the walls and doors and narrow streets. By day, the magnificent fortress looks onto the pretty valley of the river Armancon with its weeping willows and weirs. By night, the gigantic towers and ramparts are softly illuminated to create a spectacle all of their own. With all its shops and supermarkets, this is clearly the centre of the Auxois.

To the south is Pouilly-en-Auxois
Pouilly en Auxois is extremely pretty, with a light, clean appearance and a lively centre. Many day tourists come here to take the boat tour along the canal and into the tunnel.
For Golf and Chateau lovers alike, the Château de Chailly-sur-Armancon is a must. A medieval fortress has been transformed into a pleasant Renaissance residence, the Château de Chailly-sur-Armançon, which is classified as a National Monument, has been restored becoming one of the most luxurious hotels in Burgundy. On 165 acres, the Golf de Chailly offers enthusiasts a superb 18 hole par 72 golf course (6 146 m).

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
Overlooking Pouilly-en-Auxois, high on its rocky spur, the fortified village of Châteauneuf still stands guard over the road from Dijon to Autun. From the canal de Bourgogne, along the 'voie verte', its silhouette forms part of one of the finest views in the region. An emblematic place combining modern art and medieval events.
Its imposing fortress is one of the last remaining examples of 14th century Burgundian military architecture. From the 14th-17th centuries wealthy Burgundian merchants built houses at Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, many of which survive today.

The town of Saulieu
Situated to the west of Semur en Auxois, is a fine dining Mecca for many, with its famous restaurants. Saulieu holds a weekly market, with many local producers offering their own grown products. It is also a departure point for the Morvan Regional Park further west. On your way to Saulieu, you should visit the breathtaking Epoisses Castle and taste the cheese in the village where it is made.

Montbard
To the north of the Auxois, also on the edge of the Burgundy canal, is situated this important administrative town. It doesn’t get much of a mention in the big guide books, but it is more attractive than you might expect, with a lovely old centre, and the pretty canal on the outskirts of town. The TGV stops here, on the track Paris - Dijon (as part of the TGV train is built in Montbard). Paris is less than 1h15 away.

Fontenay Abbey is situated a little further north. This Cistercian abbey must be visited. It was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1981, and is thus on the 23 such sites in France such as the Mont Saint Michel and the Vézelay Basilica.

Flavigny sur Ozerain is considered as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It has gained most of its fame, by being the location of the film Chocolat.

The Auxois for you?
Auxois area prices have risen in recent years as the Dijon working population and many international settlers have discovered that it is worthwhile to live in this rural and interesting area. If you do find a property, it is a worthwhile investment, as we expect prices to rise further, with the further growth of Dijon.