Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a stone hinge for the original gate on the right. The Guiller gate, 100 years older, marked
the town's limit in the 1300s.
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From here, enter charming Rue Buffon, Semur's oldest commercial street. At the end of
this street is the...
Church of Notre-Dame
The town's main sight, the 13th-century church that dominates its small square, is worth
a quick look. Walk counterclockwise around the ambulatory behind the altar. The first
chapel on the right has unusual stained-glass windows honoring Semur's WWI soldiers.
Then notice the rich colors in the next chapel. Gothic churches were usually brightly
painted, not somber and gray, as you see them today. The stained-glass windows around
Mary's statue date from the 13th century and are the only originals left. Before leaving
the church, glance at the second-to-last chapel on your right, with a large plaque honoring
AmericansoldierswholosttheirlivesinWorldWarI(Mon-Sat9:00-12:00&14:00-18:30,
Sun 14:00-18:30, decent English handout).
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Leave with the church to your back and walk down the square past the half-timbered
charcuterie, turn left at the bottom on Rue du Rempart, then take another left down
cobbled Rue du Fourneau to the river to see...
Semur's Towers
In the Middle Ages, 18 towers were connected by defensive ramparts to protect the center
city. Caught in the crossfire between the powerful Dukes of Burgundy and the king of
France, Semur's defenses were first destroyed by Louis XI in 1478, then finished off dur-
ing the wars of religion in 1602.
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Forpostcard-perfectviews,continueyourstrollforafewblocksineitherdirectionalong
the Armançon River, then return back up Rue du Fourneau. Then you can head out to see
a sweeping...
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View over Semur-en-Auxois
DriveorhikedownhillfromtheTIalongRueduPontJoly,crosstheriver,thenheaduphill
and turn left at the top roundabout (walkers can veer left a block after the bridge for a
shortcut). Across from the Citroën dealership, find the lookout with an orientation table
and a memorable view of the red roofs, spires, and towers—especially striking at night. If
the climb uphill feels like too much, walkers will find great views just after crossing the
bridge.
