Nearly sixty medieval capitals, a large organ with more than 2,000 pipes, and hiking trails with different points of interest give Saulieu several concrete starting points. The Basilique Saint-Andoche, a defensive tower, a museum and a town walk add further cultural themes to the routes. This gives you a choice of architectural history, art and trails with historical or landscape connections when planning your trip.

Architectural History and Art

The Basilique Saint-Andoche was built in the 12th century on the ruins of an abbey founded in the 8th century. The building thus brings together two periods: the abbey’s earlier foundation and the later construction of the basilica. Its features include nearly sixty surviving, intact medieval capitals. The large organ has more than 2,000 pipes and was restored in 2003. The capitals belong to the medieval building, while the organ adds its own restoration history.

The Tour d’Auxois, also known as the Tour épiscopale, is the last of the 16 towers that defended Saulieu. The Promenade Jean Macé was laid out in 1735. The Musée François Pompon broadens the focus from buildings to art and local history: it is housed in a 17th-century hôtel particulier and displays animal sculptures by François Pompon. Its varied collections illustrate the history of Saulieu and its region.

To choose a cultural focus, it helps to distinguish between the two: the Basilique represents architectural history, while the Musée François Pompon combines art and regional history. The Tour d’Auxois is connected to the town’s defense, and the Promenade Jean Macé adds another historical point of interest.

Town Walk and Hiking Routes

The town walk In the Footsteps of the Bear begins at the Saulieu tourist office and is marked on the ground. The starting point helps with planning before the walk, while the ground markings help you find your way along the route. Check the starting point again before setting out.

The Argentalet Loop is an easy, 5.9-kilometer circular hiking trail in Saulieu that follows an old Roman road. The Bois de Brenil Loop passes through the Saulieu state forest and along its ponds. The routes offer a clear choice: the Argentalet combines a circular route, a stated length and an easy rating with a connection to the Roman road; the Bois de Brenil focuses on the state forest and its ponds. You can decide whether you would rather follow a historic road or explore the forest and ponds. As route details may change, check the latest information before setting out.

Journées Gourmandes

The Saulieu Food Festival, also known as the Grand Morvan and Burgundy Food Festival, is a festive weekend held annually. The date and program may change. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check both in advance and arrange the rest of your plans around the current event dates.

Discover more destinations: Pouillenay, Chenôve, Canton of Nolay, Ménessaire, Fontaine-Lès-Dijon, Villars-Et-Villenotte, Heuilley-Sur-Saône, Chevigny-Saint-Sauveur.

For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.