Saulieu

Visit Saulieu, Burgundy

Saulieu is a small town in the Cote-d'Or department of Burgundy, south of Semur-en-Auxois.

The most important role for Saulieu is perhaps as a base for exploring the Morvan Natural Park, but the town itself also merits a visit, and has some interesting monuments to discover.

Your visit will undoubtedly start with the most important of these monuments, the basilica.

Saint-Andoche Basilica of Saulieu

The 12th century basilica, constructed in the romanesque style, is the centre-piece for the town and has recently been renovated. Built on the site of an even earlier abbey dating back to the 8th century, it is a substantial church, unusually with towers of unequal height either side of the main facade. Inside Saulieu basilica pay particular attention to the carvings of the capitals (the decorted rock at the top of the supporting columns)

Note: the original cathedral structure was significantly larger than the one we see today, but a part was destroyed by the English when they invaded the town during the Hundred Years War in 1359.

Other sights in Saulieu

The pretty little church and cemetery at the church of Saint-Saturnin (southern end of Saulieu) also deserves a visit. You will immediately notice the pointed tower on the church, originally built in the 14th century but modified several times since.

Taking a stroll around Saulieu old town you will also come across various picturesque streets and half-timbered buildings, a couple of interesting statues, and the 18th century town hall.

There is also a museum in Saulieu celebrating the works of French animal sculptor Francois Pompon. Pompon (1855-1933) was a one time apprentice of Auguste Rodin.

(Note: photo is copyright)

Tourist classifications for Saulieu: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 1*; Saulieu falls within the Pays d'art et d'histoire de l'Auxois region

Suggested places to visit near Saulieu, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Avallon 34km; Flavigny 34km; Autun 37km; Bussy-Rabutin Chateau 38km; Montbard 39km; Fontenay Abbey 39km; Corbigny 41km; Vezelay 42km; Noyers-sur-Serein 50km; Beaune 54km; Ancy-le-Franc castle 56km; Nuits-Saint-Georges 57km; Clamecy 57km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Saulieu

Saulieu tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Basilique de Saint Andoche (Saulieu) - religious monument (0km) : Parc de Saint-Léger - remarkable garden (7km) : Jardin de la Chaux - remarkable garden (10km) : Potager du château de Lantilly - remarkable garden (31km) : Jardin du moulin de Athie - remarkable garden (32km) : Parc et jardins du château de Sully - remarkable garden (35km) : Alesia - grand site of france (35km) : Eglise de Saint Barthélémy (Cervon) - religious monument (36km) :

French version: see Saulieu (Francais)