Choisir ce modèle Voir le catalogue
Diaporama
Diaporama
Diaporama
Diaporama
Diaporama
Diaporama

Historical and Cultural Heritage

Auxonne, in the footsteps of Vauban and Bonaparte,
in the heart of historic Burgundy

Diaporama

A historic town on the banks of the Saône

At the crossroads of Burgundy and Franche-Comté, Auxonne is a charming town, proud of its military past and rich architectural heritage.

A former fortified border town, it played a strategic role for several centuries. Today, it can be explored like an open-air history book, where every street, façade and stone tells the story of the Val de Saône.

In the footsteps of Vauban

Auxonne’s fortifications are among the best preserved in Burgundy.

Designed from 1673 by the Count of Aspremont, they were later enhanced by the famous engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, whose genius shaped the defensive architecture of many French towns.

During your visit, do not miss:
  • The Artillery Arsenal (1689), an emblematic building where weapons and ammunition were stored;
  • The Porte Royale, the majestic entrance to the fortified town;
  • The Château Louis XI, rebuilt in the 15th century, which still bears traces of Vauban’s fortifications.
These sites offer a fascinating journey back in time, combining military architecture and riverside landscapes.
Diaporama
Diaporama

Auxonne and Napoleon Bonaparte

Before becoming Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte stayed in Auxonne from 1788 to 1791 while serving as a lieutenant at the artillery school.
This period left a lasting mark on the town, which still preserves several emblematic places linked to his stay.

A Napoleonic trail allows you to follow in his footsteps:
  • his officer’s room in the barracks,
  • the statue of Bonaparte on the main square,
  • the Porte Royale, which he passed through daily,
  • and the historic streets he used to reach the town centre.
This immersive experience will delight history enthusiasts and curious visitors wishing to rediscover a lesser-known chapter of the Emperor’s youth.

Architecture through the centuries

Strolling through Auxonne is like travelling through time.

Half-timbered houses, Renaissance façades and Empire-style buildings reflect the architectural evolution of the town from the medieval period to the present day.

Lovers of historic buildings will appreciate the Maison Jehan de la Croix, the Town Hall and the elegant half-timbered houses in the historic centre.

To complete your visit, the “Architecture Through Time” trail offered by the Tourist Office guides you through the finest examples of residential, civil, religious and military buildings.
Diaporama
Diaporama

Religious heritage and remarkable sites

As you wander through the streets, the Church of Notre-Dame immediately draws the eye.

A masterpiece of Burgundian Gothic architecture, it stands out with its slender bell tower, colourful stained-glass windows and peaceful atmosphere.

The remarkable houses reveal inner courtyards, stone staircases and carved balconies, all witnesses to the town’s prosperous past.

Auxonne is also home to several private mansions and former convent buildings, traces of a time when the town was a major spiritual and commercial centre on the Saône.

Museums and living culture

Auxonne’s heritage can also be discovered through its cultural life.

The town regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, markets and guided tours organised by the Tourist Office and local associations.

The museums of Dijon and Beaune, located less than an hour away, complete this immersion into regional history.

In Dijon, the Museum of Fine Arts housed in the Palace of the Dukes is a must-see. In Beaune, the famous Hospices preserve a unique heritage of medieval hospital art and prestigious wine collections.
Diaporama
Diaporama

Cultural routes and nearby excursions

From the campsite, several routes allow you to extend your discovery:
  • Fortifications trail: two hours to understand the evolution of Auxonne’s defences;
  • Saône trail: a walk combining nature and riverside heritage;
  • Remarkable houses trail: a self-guided walk through the old town;
  • Burgundy Wine Route: meet the vineyards of Beaune, Nuits-Saint-Georges and Meursault.
Each route offers a new perspective on the richness of the region, blending history, culture and local traditions.

The spirit of a living heritage

Exploring Auxonne and its surroundings means immersing yourself in authentic and historic Burgundy.

Between Vauban’s fortifications, memories of Bonaparte and the elegance of historic houses, every step reveals a living, accessible and fascinating heritage.

Camping de l’Arquebuse offers the ideal starting point for these discoveries, just a few minutes from the most beautiful sites in the region.
Diaporama
Browser not supported

The Internet Explorer browser you are currently using does not display this website correctly.

We recommend that you download and use a more recent and secure browser such as Google Chrome , Microsoft Edge , Mozilla Firefox , or Safari (for Mac) for example.
OK