Towns and cities of character in Burgundy-Franche-Comté

Nevers and its old centre
By Daniel VILLAFRUELA, CC BY-SA 4.0

Nevers and its old centre

It is pleasant to stroll through the picturesque streets that form the historic heart of Nevers. The rue du Moulin d'écorce, the rue des Belles-lunettes, the rue des Ratoires, the rue du Calvaire stairs or the rue Casse-cou are typical of the Middle Ages and offer hikers a true journey through time.

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, "Plus beaux villages de France"
Gilles Guillamot, CC BY-SA 3.0

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, listed as "Plus beaux villages" in France.

Surrounded by reservoir lakes that provide water for the canal, the medieval town stands on a rock from which the Morvan can be seen. It is worth climbing to the castle of Sir Jean de Chaudenay, who once commanded the road from Dijon to Autun. We discover a beautiful village remarkably preserved, which proudly dominates the canal and the port of Vandenesse.

La ville de Besançon et son centre historique
Arnaud 25, CC BY-SA 3.0

The city of Besançon and its historic centre

Sheltered by its imposing fortifications, Besançon protects its history and quality of life. Renaissance houses and private mansions from the 18th century punctuate a discovery walk in the heart of the old town. Feel free to push some carriage doors. They often "defend" admirable interior courtyards or open staircases, subtly adorned with ironwork and carved balusters. Pastor, Victor-Hugo... the squares evoke some great names born or having stayed in Besançon.

Dijon, ville incontournable du Tour de Bourgogne à vélo

Dijon, a city not to be missed on the Tour de Bourgogne by bike

A generous and gourmet city, Dijon is an essential stop on the Tour de Bourgogne by bicycle. The palace of the Dukes of Burgundy is the heart of the ducal capital which has become regional. It houses the Fine Arts Museum, one of the largest in Europe. The historic centre is of rare elegance: half-timbered houses, private mansions, remarkable churches. Dijon is also a green city with its tramway, parks and gardens and the port of the Canal de Bourgogne, from where you can reach the countryside by following the green route.

Auxerre, ville d'Art et d'Histoire
A. Doire - Bourgogne Tourisme

Auxerre, city of Art and History

It is easy to fall under the spell of Auxerre, city of art and history bathed by the Yonne and located at the northern end of the Nivernais Canal. The city offers to the visitor many attractions with its district of the Navy and its beautiful residences of the historical center. Don't miss the sound and light show "Les Grandes Heures d'Auxerre" which takes place every evening from June 1st to September 30th. The night lighting of Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the former Saint-Germain Abbey is particularly striking from the footbridge over the Yonne.

La ville historique de Chalon-sur-Saône
A. Doire - Bourgogne Tourisme

The historic town of Châlon-sur-Saône

Chalon-sur-Saône, with its vineyards, Romanesque churches and castles, will delight both the gourmet and the oenophile as well as the art lover and historical curiosities. Don't miss the Châlon dans la Rue event every year in July, a street arts festival dedicated to young and old alike!

Mâcon, ville stratégique

Mâcon, strategic city

A crossroads of communication routes since time immemorial, Mâcon, bathed by the majestic Saône, occupies a strategic position between Franche-Comté, Burgundy and the Rhône valley. On the famous road of civilizations, it offers since Antiquity a welcoming port and many services. Its elegant historical centre is full of colourful alleys dominated by the Saint-Vincent cathedral. Mâcon is also rightly famous for its gastronomy and its Grands Vins de France contest held there every spring.

Buxy, village cerné par les vignes
Nanzig, CC BY-SA 4.0

Buxy, village surrounded by vineyards

Old stones, beautiful houses, flowered alleys, arched cellars and ancient fortifications give Buxy its unique character as a winegrowing village set in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise. It is necessary to visit the winegrower's museum which reconstructs the life and the millenary wine-growing tasks. Another curiosity : the tourist office took place in the old station where cyclists and rollerbladers can today make a refreshing break. Guided tours on request.

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