Auxonne combines a striking fortress history with the Saône as a setting for boating and water sports. Two interests are particularly useful when planning a trip: historic buildings and activities on or by the water. The Voie Bleue cycle route also brings these themes together, as one section runs past the city’s fortifications and marina.
Fortress history and architecture
The Château d’Auxonne dates back to a building commission issued by Louis XI in 1479. It was intended to be one of three fortified castles designed to watch over the Burgundians, newly placed under the Duchy of Burgundy, and the border with the Holy Roman Empire. Auxonne has the only surviving castle of the three; the castles in Dijon and Beaune are partly destroyed. This comparison places the building in a broader context rather than viewing it only as a château in its own right. Vauban built the Arsenal of Auxonne in 1689. The 1479 building commission and a later element of the town’s fortress history thus come together.
The Église Notre-Dame is the city’s most important building. It was constructed in stages between the 13th and 16th centuries, so its history spans several centuries rather than a single construction date. A possible climb up the tower offers another perspective on Auxonne and is subject to the tourist office’s current arrangements. If the climb is available, 169 steps lead to the top. From there, the view extends across the surrounding area and over the architectural landmarks of the city and its surroundings.
The Saône, water sports and the Voie Bleue
Boating and water sports take centre stage on the Saône. Etoile Auxonnaise rents out windsurfing boards, catamarans and Optimist dinghies. In summer, the provider also offers courses for children. If you would like to include an activity in your travel plans, check the latest opening and course dates; the children’s courses are explicitly seasonal.
The Voie Bleue also offers a different way to explore along the Saône: it is a signposted cycle route 80 km long. Two routes are accessible from Auxonne; the 80 km refers to the Voie Bleue as a whole. The Auxonne–Talmay section runs past Auxonne’s fortifications and marina, linking the cycle route with specific features of the city. Check current route conditions before setting off. Choosing between these activities is therefore also a matter of how you want to get around: on the water by boat or through water sports, or by bike along the Saône.
Getting there by TER train
Auxonne is on the Franche-Comté TER railway line, which connects Dijon, Dole and Besançon. If you are using one of these places as a reference point for your train journey, check the latest timetable for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Essey, Couchey, Montberthault, Précy-sous-Thil, Chambolle-Musigny, Sombernon, Bouilland, Sennecey-Lès-Dijon
For the overarching travel guide: Cote-Dor.
