Things To Do
in Autun
Autun is a historic town in Burgundy, France, perched where rolling hills meet the Saône valley. Its skyline is defined by the Romanesque Saint-Lazare Cathedral and well-preserved medieval walls. The old town is a maze of timber-framed houses, markets, and quiet squares that feel timeless.
As the gateway to the Morvan and the Côte-d'Or vineyards, Autun offers culture, cuisine, and easy access to nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in the charming town of Autun and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets to soak up the medieval architecture. Enjoy your first French breakfast at a local café, complete with fresh pastries and coffee.
Visit the Roman ruins at the Temple of Janus and the captivating Theatre of Autun, marveling at the historical significance of these ancient sites. Take a relaxing walk around Lake des Settons, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the tranquil scenery. Grab lunch at a nearby bistro, savoring traditional Burgundian cuisine.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for dinner and indulge in regional specialties paired with excellent Burgundy wine. After dinner, experience the lively atmosphere of Autun's town square where you can enjoy live music or street performances. Walk back to your accommodation under the stars, reflecting on your wonderful start to the trip.
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Autun Cathedral, where you can admire its exquisite stained glass and impressive sculptures. Spend time exploring the surrounding old town, characterizing itself with narrow winding streets and quaint shops. Don’t forget to pick up some local delicacies at the market to enjoy later.
After lunch at a cozy brasserie, head to the Musée Rolin to discover regional art and history through fascinating exhibits. Stroll through the old Roman walls and take photographs of the well-preserved medieval structures. Find a sunny spot to enjoy a picnic in one of Autun’s charming parks.
After dinner, take a quiet evening walk along the banks of the River Arroux. Admire the serene views as the town lights reflect off the water, creating a magical ambiance. Cap off your night with a glass of local wine at a bar, chatting with locals about their town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚌One-way public transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel/guesthouse per night | $60-100 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly essentials) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage (Roman and medieval)
- Excellent base for exploring Burgundy and Morvan
- Small town with limited nightlife
- Crowds can be seasonal around markets and festivals
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est ... ?" - Where is ...?
- "Je voudrais ceci" - I would like this
Places to Visit in Autun
Visit one of these nice places.
Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with a striking façade and a serene interior; excellent for architecture and details.
One of Autun's grand medieval gates, framed by restored town walls—great for morning or golden-hour shots.
Ancient ramparts offering dramatic lines and sunset silhouettes against the skyline.
An ornate medieval house featuring Caryatid sculptures; a charming subject for street photography.
Ruins and arches from the Gallo-Roman era; capture texture and history in a single frame.
Food in Autun
Autun Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-braised beef in red wine with onions, mushrooms, and lardons; widely available in local bistros.
Must-Try!
Eggs poached in red wine sauce with mushrooms and lardons—classic Burgundian comfort food.
Garlic-butter snails served in Burgundy style; available in traditional eateries.
Dishes featuring beef from nearby Charolais cattle, common in regional restaurants.
Sparkling wine from Burgundy, perfect as an apéritif or with dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic covered market offering fresh produce, cheeses, regional specialties, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say Bonjour/Bonsoir when entering shops; use polite forms like Monsieur/Madame.
Keep hands visible on the table; use proper cutlery and avoid loud talking in quiet settings; tipping norms depend on whether service charge is included.
Safety
Tipping in Autun
Ensure a smooth experience
Service may be included (service compris); rounding up or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is common for good service.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is useful in smaller shops; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool mornings and fresh greenery; ideal for city walks without crowds, with occasional showers.
Warm to hot days; plan early visits to avoid heat, and enjoy local festivals and outdoor dining.
Harvest season with colorful foliage; comfortable temperatures and wine-tasting opportunities nearby.
Cool to cold with potential frost; shorter daylight hours but festive lights and indoor attractions.
Autun at Night
Hiking in Autun
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Historic oppidum on Mont Beuvray with forest trails and panoramic views; a top day hike from Autun.
Extensive network of hikes through forests, lakes, and villages in the Morvan area surrounding Autun.
Airports
How to reach Autun by plane.
Closest airport with international connections; typically a 1-2 hour drive to Autun with regional and some international flights.
Major international hub about 2-3 hours by road or train from Autun; broad global connections.
Smaller regional airport serving some seasonal and charter flights; roughly 1.5-2.5 hours by car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily French residents with a mix of age groups; seasonal influx of tourists in summer and during markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in Burgundy due to scenic routes through vineyards and hills.
Extensive trails in Morvan and around Mont Beuvray for all levels.
Opportunities in surrounding limestone areas near Morvan and Beuvray for various grades.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Autun.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in many places; look for vegetable tarts, mushroom dishes, salads; communicate dietary needs in French: Je suis végétarien(ne).