Discovering the Saône Riverbank Landscapes
A relaxing walk to discover the picturesque riverside landscapes around Auxonne.
Plizio Visual Lab
Auxonne
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Auxonne
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Walk along the Vauban fortifications; they are free to explore and offer a great sense of the town's military history.
- The Napoleon Museum inside the Château is small but fascinating, detailing his time stationed here as a young officer.
- Renting a small boat or simply walking along the Saône river is great for a sunny afternoon.
- If arriving by train, the station is a short walk from the historic center, making it an easy day trip from Dijon.
🍽 Food
🍽
Pôchouse
A traditional river fish stew in white wine. Look for it in traditional restaurants near the riverfront.
🍽
Jambon persillé
Parsleyed ham set in jelly, a Burgundy classic available at local butchers.
🍽
Époisses cheese
A pungent, creamy local cheese. Pick some up at the fromagerie in the town center for a picnic.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Friday Market
Held in the town center, great for picking up regional Burgundy produce.
🛍
Local Wine Shops
Stop by a local 'caviste' to discover lesser-known regional Burgundy wines.
🧘
Banks of the Saône
The riverside paths offer peaceful walks away from the town traffic.
🧘
Château grounds
The area immediately around the old fortress provides a quiet, historic atmosphere.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
The Metamorphoses Gathering
Immerse yourself in a world of artistic transformation at this unique cultural gathering in the town of Auxonne.
Old Ma Crackers Live Concert
Experience the energetic rhythm of Old Ma Crackers during an unforgettable live music performance in Auxonne.
Birdwatching at the Maillys Nature Reserve
Explore the diverse birdlife of the Maillys Ecological Reserve on a guided tour through a pristine and protected natural setting.
Auxonne, a Hub for Entertainment
Explore the festive side of Auxonne with a wide range of activities and entertainment options for the whole family to enjoy.
Birdwatching at the Maillys Nature Reserve
An exciting excursion for nature lovers to observe rare bird species in the protected ecosystem of the Maillys reserve.
Birdwatching at the Maillys Nature Reserve
Join us on a journey of discovery to learn about the unique flora and fauna of this significant ecological reserve.
Notre-Dame Church of Auxonne
Visit this architectural gem, a historic church renowned for its Gothic splendor and deep cultural significance in Auxonne.
Discovering Birds at Maillys Reserve
A guided walk to observe the migratory birds that find sanctuary in the wetlands of the Maillys Ecological Reserve.
Nature Experience: Birds of Maillys
Immerse yourself in the silence of nature and observe protected bird species in their beautiful natural habitat.
Auxonne is a town steeped in history, located in the Côte-d'Or department of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in eastern France. Situated on the left bank of the Saône river, its strategic position once made it a crucial border stronghold between the Duchy of Burgundy and the Franche-Comté province. This military legacy is reflected in the town's impressive fortifications, many of which were designed by the renowned military engineer Vauban in the late 17th century. Auxonne is perhaps best known for its association with Napoleon Bonaparte, who was stationed here as a young artillery lieutenant from 1788 to 1791; his room and various artifacts are preserved in the town's museum. The architectural landscape is dominated by the Church of Notre-Dame, a fine example of Burgundian Gothic architecture featuring a unique twisted spire. Today, the town is a pleasant destination for river tourism, with its marina serving as a popular stop for boaters exploring the Saône waterway. The local economy is supported by agriculture and local commerce, while its historical sites and proximity to Dijon make it an attractive spot for heritage enthusiasts and travelers seeking authentic Burgundian charm.
- Location: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- Top sights: Notre-Dame Church · Auxonne Castle · Bonaparte Museum
- Nearby: Genlis (13 km)
- Population: ~7.819
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 11 | 6 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 88 | 70 | 83 | 74 | 101 | 90 | 85 | 92 | 72 | 98 | 99 | 103 |
Geography
Facts
- Total communal area of 20.19 km²
- Elevation: 181 to 211 meters above sea level
- Vauban fortress built between 1673 and 1693
- Napoleon resided in the 'Pavillon de la Ville'
- Postal code for the town is 21130
- Major inland port on the Saône river
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Auxonne (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is Napoleon's connection to Auxonne?
Napoleon Bonaparte was stationed here as a lieutenant at the artillery school from 1788 to 1791.
What role does the Saône river play for the town?
The Saône features opportunities for river tourism, boating, and relaxed walks along the banks.
Are the fortifications of Auxonne visitable?
Yes, the town walls designed by Vauban and the castle can be visited and define the cityscape.
What is the most famous religious building?
The Church of Notre-Dame is famous for its twisted spire and Late Gothic architecture.
Are there local events in Auxonne?
The annual Auxonne Carnival in March is one of the largest folk festivals in the Burgundy region.
Auxonne: where is it located?
Auxonne is located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France.
Auxonne: what is there to see?
Highlights include Notre-Dame Church, Auxonne Castle, Bonaparte Museum.
Auxonne: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Auxonne: why is it worth visiting?
Auxonne is a town steeped in history, located in the Côte-d'Or department of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in eastern France.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →
Nearby cities
Dijon
Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, is famous for its mustard, the Kir cocktail, and its rich history as the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy.
Dijon-Centre
Dijon-Centre forms the historic heart of the Burgundian capital.
Besançon-Ouest
This western part of Besançon includes modern housing and service areas.
Besançon-Nord
This district of Besançon offers modern residential areas and access to the surrounding natural landscapes.
Besançon
Besançon sits in a bend of the Doubs and is known for its fortifications, watchmaking industry, and historic center.
Belfort
Belfort is a strategically important city in eastern France, famous for its powerful citadel and the monumental Lion of Belfort.
Chalon-sur-Saône
The birthplace of photography and a major river port city in the heart of the Burgundy region.
Nevers
Nevers is a historic city on the Loire river, famous for its faience tradition and the Ducal Palace.
Auxerre
A city of art and history in Burgundy on the Yonne river, famous for its cathedral and wine trade.
Mâcon
A charming Burgundian city on the banks of the Saône, famous for its vineyards and as the birthplace of the poet Lamartine.
Sens
A historic city in Burgundy, home to the first Gothic cathedral in France and a major former Gallo-Roman center.
Dole
Dole, the former capital of the Comté de Bourgogne, is a city of art and history on the Doubs river and the birthplace of Louis Pasteur.
Le Creusot
A historic center of French heavy industry and steel production located in the heart of Burgundy.
Beaune
The wine capital of Burgundy, world-famous for the Hospices de Beaune and its prestigious vineyards.
Lons-le-Saunier
The capital of the Jura department, known for its thermal springs, salt history, and as the birthplace of Rouget de Lisle.