Montbard brings together the Canal de Bourgogne and the Brenne with heritage connected to the naturalists Buffon and Daubenton. It is also home to a tower from the former fortress and a greenway stage along the canal. When choosing a hotel, first consider whether cultural history, cycling or a combination of the two will shape your stay.
Waterways and getting there
Both the Canal de Bourgogne and the Brenne run through Montbard; the Brenne is also a tributary of the Armançon. The canal and the river are therefore two distinct geographical features of the town. For train travel, use one hour from Paris by TGV and 30 minutes from Dijon by TER as a guide. Journey times may vary depending on the connection. Check the timetable for your travel dates when coordinating your arrival and overnight stay.
History of science and historic sites
At the Musée Buffon, an exhibition tour explores the history of science. It focuses on the naturalists George-Louis Leclerc de Buffon and Louis Jean-Marie Daubenton, both of whom were born in Montbard in the 18th century. The museum presents its heritage through exhibitions, guided tours, workshops and conferences. These different formats make it a point of interest for travellers looking to include the history of science in their stay.
Open to the public, Parc Buffon offers another perspective on local heritage through its landscaped grounds: it covers seven hectares and extends across fourteen terraces. It was designated a Historic Monument in 1947. The park’s size, terraces and protected status highlight different aspects of the site and give your visit a specific historical context.
The Tour de l’Aubespin is one of the most prominent remains of Montbard’s former medieval fortress and dates from the 14th century. The 46-metre-high tower has four vaulted rooms and an upper terrace. From there, the remarkable panorama stretches across Montbard and the Brenne Valley, which is crossed by the Canal de Bourgogne. Access arrangements may vary; check them before your visit.
Cycling along the Canal de Bourgogne
The Ancy-le-Franc–Montbard stage of the cycle route along the Canal de Bourgogne follows the towpath as a greenway. The surface and access conditions may change; check them before setting off. The Office de tourisme du Montbardois rents out hybrid bikes (VTC), child seats and electrically assisted bikes (VAE) near the SNCF railway station and the Canal de Bourgogne. Check availability and rental conditions before you arrive.
The route and bike rental involve different considerations: the stage follows the towpath, while rentals concern the choice of bikes and accessories. If you plan to include both in your trip, check the route conditions and rental availability separately.
Montbard Regional Fair
The Montbard Regional Fair brings together crafts, regional products, food and leisure activities. Its programme may vary from one edition to the next. If you are planning your stay around a particular edition, check the dates and the programme for that year.
Find hotels to suit your reason for travelling
If you plan to combine activities, base your plans on the tower’s access arrangements, the route conditions and bike rental availability. The indicative train journey times can also help you coordinate your arrival and departure with your planned overnight stays.
Discover more destinations: Channay, ChenĂ´ve, Marcenay, Ternant, Gevrey-Chambertin, MĂ©nessaire, Baubigny, Pontailler-Sur-SaĂ´ne.
View the wider travel guide: Cote-Dor.
