Are you planning to visit Burgundy? Discover the 7 must-see places to visit in Châteauneuf, one of the most beautiful French villages!
Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, visiting Châteauneuf and its fortified town is an activity to do when you go to Côte d’Or. Formerly monitoring the road from Dijon to Autun, this village combines medieval activities and contemporary art during the summer.
Stage of the Burgundy Canal, along the greenway, it also offers some of the most beautiful views in the region. Its historical heritage is finally worth the detour. Are you planning to discover this beautiful village? So we tell you the 7 essential things to do in Châteauneuf during your stay!
Read also: Where to eat in Châteauneuf?
1. The Château de Châteauneuf
Crédit photo : Shutterstock – Borisb17
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Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is one of the last testimonies of Burgundian military architecture of the 14th century. Towers and curtains were built to defend the village and the plains of Auxois, especially during the Hundred Years War. A former fortress dating from the 12th century, the fortress of Châteauneuf is thus a fine example of this military architecture and the history of this fortified village.
Built on a rocky outcrop, this long fortress guards the southern end of the Auxois. Finally, it dominates the valley of the Burgundy canal, thus protecting a strategic axis. If you come to visit Châteauneuf, you cannot miss this unmissable building. Admire it, discover its places of life and enjoy the view!
2. The Fortified Village
Crédit photo : Shutterstock – Lev Levin
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As mentioned above, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is not a village like the others. It is above all a strategic stronghold in the Middle Ages! Fortunately for travelers, this heritage has been preserved. So be curious and attentive, and take the time to lose yourself in its star alleys.
You will discover pediments and staircase turrets, but also beautiful merchant residences. This once prosperous city allows observant travelers to guess its history!
3. The Church of Saint-Philippe and Saint-Jacques
Crédit photo : Shutterstock – Lev Levin
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Placed under the double patronage of Saint-Philippe and Saint-Jacques, the church of Châteauneuf dates from the end of the 15th century. It is one of the essential monuments to do in Châteauneuf. The building indeed contains a “Virgin and Child” from the 14th century.
You can also admire a 15th century Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a 15th or 16th century Saint-Jacques and a Saint-Philippe. Besides its works of art, we also appreciate its architecture and its surroundings.
4. The Notre-Dame du Chêne Chapel
Photo credit: chateauneuf-cotedor.fr
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Nestled in the forest towards the top of the Butte de Châteauneuf, north of the village, this chapel was built in 1746 by Curé Saulgeot. The latter discovered there a statue of the virgin in an oak trunk.
To discover this chapel, you will have to take the right path after the lime tree alley. You will then find her in a clearing. You can still see the remains of old stone fence walls more or less collapsed. A real picturesque setting awaits you there!
5. The Ruins of the Saint-Julien hermitage
Photo credit: chateauneuf-cotedor.fr
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If you come to visit Châteauneuf, you must not miss to discover the Ruins of the Saint-Julien hermitage. They too are found in the forest towards the top of the Butte de Châteauneuf. To find them, however, you will have to take the left path after the lime tree alley.
These beautiful ruins still reveal large sections of walls, as well as some sculptures. You will also admire superb facings and carved stone door towers.
6. The Burgundy Canal
Photo credit: Shutterstock – andre quinou
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The Burgundy Canal is one of the must-see attractions in Châteauneuf and the region. This small-scale waterway stretches from the Seine basin to that of the Rhône and crosses Burgundy. The section from Pouilly-en-Auxois to La Bussière-sur-Ouche which passes through Châteauneuf is a dream spot for cyclists.
They will be able to enjoy a beautiful bike ride along the Canal. You will thus admire the rural landscapes of Burgundy, and will cross some beautiful picturesque villages. And if cycling is not your thing, you can always opt for a boat ride on the canal!
7. The shows and exhibitions of the Château
Crédit photo : Shutterstock – JeniFoto
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Whether at the Château, the culmination of cultural events in the village, or in the village, Châteauneuf organizes workshops, shows, night walks, events or a medieval market every year. He thus mixes contemporary art and medieval animations to perfection.
Younger children can for example train to become real knights. The older ones will appreciate the works created by contemporary artists from various backgrounds! Do not miss to consult the events organized by the town and the castle during your stay.
Located in the Côte-d’Or department, Châteauneuf is less than an hour’s drive from Dijon. Unfortunately, there is no direct line, train or bus, which allows easy access to Châteauneuf.
In addition, taking the plane to reach Châteauneuf is not the best solution either. Dijon airport mainly hosts business flights or even to the CHU of the capital of this department.
It is best to go to Dijon, by train or by bus, then to rent a car. You can also reach the village by bicycle. You can then enjoy a charming roaming hike along the Burgundy Canal. Taxi is also an option, although expensive and inconvenient. You can finally opt for carpooling.
If you have a car, reaching and then visiting Châteauneuf will be easy. Here are various routes that you can follow from the large surrounding cities:
- From Dijon, take theA38 heading west then exit at exit 27. Then follow the D977 Bis towards Châteauneuf;
- Or from Paris, take theA6 towards Pouilly-en-Auxois (via Auxerre). Then exit near Autun / Saulieu / Pouilly-en-Auxois, then follow the D977 Bis to the village;
- From Lyon, you must also follow theA6 to Pouilly-en-Auxois. You should also take the exit towards Autun / Saulieu / Pouilly-en-Auxois, then follow the D977 Bis;
- From Besançon, you can follow theA36 and then theA6 to Pouilly-en-Auxois. You can also go through Dijon via theA39.
Where to stay in Châteauneuf?
If you are planning to visit Châteauneuf, you are obviously wondering where to stay. Luckily for travelers, there’s no shortage of accommodation options here. In this most beautiful village in France, there is something for all budgets.
You can opt for a room in a beautiful hotel or for a charming cottage. You can also choose to stay in a flowered campsite or at the inhabitant, via Airbnb. In order to find the offer that suits you best, use a hotel comparator.
Now you know what to visit if you stop in Châteauneuf. You can therefore start to prepare your luggage.
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