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There are an array of things to do in France, with Autun sharing quite a few of those!
Welcome to Autun, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Burgundy.
With its charming streets, rich history, and stunning architecture, Autun is the perfect destination for those seeking a taste of authentic French culture.
From wandering through ancient Roman ruins to savoring mouth-watering local cuisine, Autun offers a wealth of activities for any traveler to enjoy.
So pack your bags and get ready to discover the enchanting secrets of this enchanting town.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Autun:
1. Cathedrale St-Lazare
A Romanesque cathedral located in Autun, France.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture of the cathedral, including the famous tympanum featuring scenes from the Last Judgment. Explore the interior and view the intricate sculptures and stained glass windows.
Don’t miss: The Crypt of St. Lazarus, which houses the relics of St.
Lazarus and features beautiful frescoes.
Insider travel tips: Take a guided tour of the cathedral to learn more about its history and the significance of its artwork. Visit during the summer months to catch the cathedral’s annual music festival.
2. Temple of Janus
The Temple of Janus is a Roman-era temple located in Autun, France. It was built in the 4th century BC and dedicated to the Roman god Janus.
What to see or do: Explore the ruins of the temple and admire the impressive architecture that has stood the test of time. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful park perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the impressive Corinthian columns that are still standing, despite the temple’s partial destruction over the centuries.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer to take advantage of the many concerts and events that are held in the park surrounding the temple.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, the temple and the park make for some great photo opportunities.
3. Musee Rolin
Museum dedicated to archaeology and local history in Autun, France.
What to see or do: Explore exhibits showcasing Roman artifacts, Gallo-Roman statuary, medieval stonework, and Renaissance-era paintings.
Don’t miss: The museum’s most prized possession, a statue of Apollo from the 2nd century CE, which was discovered in Autun in the 17th century.
Insider travel tips: Head to the museum’s rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of Autun’s Gothic cathedral and the surrounding hills. Also, be sure to check out the museum’s schedule of temporary exhibitions, which often bring in works by contemporary artists.
4. Tour des Ursulines
Tour des Ursulines is a tower located in the heart of the historic city of Autun, in Burgundy, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. Along the way, there are several rooms showcasing the history of the tower and the city.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the panorama from the top of the tower. The view of the city and surrounding countryside is truly stunning.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of stairs to climb.
5. Temple of Janus
The Temple of Janus is an ancient Roman temple located in the town of Autun, France.
It dates back to the 4th century AD and is the only Roman temple in France that has survived almost entirely intact.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the temple’s impressive architecture and intricate carvings, including those depicting the god Janus and other Roman gods and goddesses.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the temple’s unique double entrance, a characteristic feature of Janus temples, which allowed people to enter and leave in opposite directions.
Insider travel tips: – Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there are quite a few stairs to climb to reach the temple.
6. Porte St-André
Porte St-André is a historical gate located in the charming city of Autun, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the well-preserved Roman architecture and appreciate the blend of ancient and modern culture.
The gate was constructed during the 3rd or 4th century AD and was one of the four gateways in the old fortified walls of Autun.
Don’t miss: The intricate carvings on the walls of the gate that showcase the historical and cultural significance of the Roman era are not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: Take a stroll in the gardens surrounding the gate and enjoy the view of the gate and the surrounding medieval architecture.
The best time to visit is during spring when the garden is blooming with vibrant flowers.
7. Place du Champ de Mars
Place du Champ de Mars is a large public square located in the heart of Autun, a historic town in the Burgundy region of France.
What to see or do: The square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, including the town hall, the Saint Lazare Cathedral, and the former bishop’s palace.
Visitors can enjoy a walk around the square to take in the stunning architecture and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the square is the bronze statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, which stands in the center.
The statue was created by French sculptor François Rude and was erected in 1857 to commemorate a visit from Napoleon in 1805.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the square on a sunny day to enjoy a picnic or to relax in one of the many cafes or restaurants.
8. Via Agrippa
Ancient Roman road located in Autun, France.
What to see or do: Walk along the well-preserved stones and explore what remains of the once bustling street.
Experience a slice of history by retracing the footsteps of the Roman soldiers who marched through this road over 2000 years ago.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to witness the intricate architecture of the road, complete with the ancient drainage system and the characteristic ruts left by the chariots.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the uneven stones, and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking view of the city from this elevated vantage point.
If possible, visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and soak in the tranquil ambience of this awe-inspiring Roman marvel.
9. Theatre Romain
An ancient Roman theatre located in Autun, France. It was built in the 1st century AD and is one of the most well-preserved ancient monuments in the city.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the remains of the theatre, including the stage, orchestra, and seating areas.
There is also an on-site museum with exhibits that provide insight into the history and use of the theatre during the Roman era.
Don’t miss: The impressive amphitheatre that could seat up to 20,000 spectators is a must-see. It is one of the largest in France and was used for chariot races, gladiator games, and other public events.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit during the summer months when the theatre hosts various cultural events and performances. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the site has uneven terrain.
10. Hotel de Ville
Hotel de Ville is an iconic building located in the heart of Autun, France. It serves as the town hall, and it’s one of the most famous landmarks in the city.
What to see or do: The architecture of the building is stunning and deserves a visit, but also the beautiful gardens surrounding it. There are also several art exhibitions inside the building throughout the year, which are worth checking out.
Don’t miss: Be sure to stop and take in the history that this building holds, as it has been standing since the late 16th century.
Take a leisurely stroll around the gardens, or settle down with a book and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Insider travel tips: If you’re a fan of photography, aim to visit the Hotel de Ville during sunset or sunrise to capture some breathtaking shots of the architecture and surrounding gardens.
Additionally, consider visiting during the week to avoid weekend crowds, which can be quite substantial.
11. Tourist Office of Autun
Tourist Information Center located in Autun, France.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss: The chance to see the annual street theater festival, Les Nuits de l’Archeologie, in July.
Insider travel tips: – The tourist office offers a free audio guide to the city in multiple languages.
12. Parc des Chaumes
Parc des Chaumes is a beautiful park located in Autun, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the park’s walking trails and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
The park also features a playground for children, picnic areas, and a pond.
Don’t miss: Make sure to climb to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of Autun and its iconic cathedral.
Insider travel tips:
13. Eglise St-Pierre
Eglise St-Pierre is a Romanesque-style church situated in the town of Autun in Burgundy, France, dating back to the 11th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the impressive architectural details of the church such as the ornate portal, intricate carvings, and well-preserved frescoes.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the interior of the church to see the beautiful nave and stunning stained-glass windows.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to climb the tower of the church for a breathtaking view of the town and surrounding countryside. It’s also recommended to visit during the annual music festival in July when the church hosts special concerts.
14. Promenade des Marbres
A scenic walkway in Autun, France lined with marble sculptures.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Marbres to appreciate the beautiful marble sculptures and enjoy the stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Don’t miss: Admire the famous statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, created by François Rude, which dominates the promenade and commemorates his victory at the Battle of Marengo.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the early morning or evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes as the promenade can be quite steep in places.
15. Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Porte
Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Porte is a beautiful 12th-century Romanesque church located in Autun, Burgundy, France.
What to see or do: Admire the detailed and well-preserved facade featuring intricate sculptures and decorative elements. Step inside and appreciate the impressive nave with a barrel vaulted ceiling, apse, and chapels.
Don’t miss the 13th-century Gothic choir and the beautiful stained glass windows from the 19th century.
Don’t miss: The 12th-century tympanum above the main portal, depicting the Ascension of Christ. It is considered one of the masterpieces of Burgundian Romanesque art.
Insider travel tips: Visit the church early in the morning to avoid crowds and take your time to appreciate its beauty. Guided tours are available, providing more in-depth information about the history and architecture of the church.