Semur-en-Auxios Travel Guide

 iandsmith Says:  This was one of the better things I did on my holiday in France.The abbey is rightly famous as a tourist attraction though it doesn't attract hordes like other places. Having said that, you won't be alone in this lovely setting with its spacious garden.Consecrated in 1147 by... 

 iandsmith Says:  Inside the church there is much to see from mediaeval times.According to tradition the church was built by Robert of France to expiate the murder of his father. The original construction thus dates back to the 11th century though it was rebuilt in the 13th and 14th century. 

 iandsmith Says:  l'Eglise Notre-Dame is the main church of Semur-en-Auxois but it is showing its age.The church, La Collégiale Notre-Dame, was started in 1225 and built in flamboyant Gothic style. It was restored in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc but signs of wear and tear can be clearly... 

 iandsmith Says:  You will pass former mills and tanneries and at the bottom of the valley by the Pont de Minimes, there is an authentic bistro Maison Dieu, Les Minimes.Any of the walk by the river is never dull because it does a complete U-turn around the Granite outcrop so that every ten... 

 iandsmith Says:  Porte Guillier is the most famous entry portal to Semur-en-Auxois. Above it (on the other side from where the opening pic was taken) is the inscription "The people of Semur take great pleasure in meeting strangers". (see second pic) Of course, that's not the actual... 

 iandsmith Says:  Go over the Pont Joly, past the Tour de l’Orle-d’Or with its seemingly vulnerable fractured side, and up the cobbled street into town. Wander through the Porte Guillier, a medieval gateway, and enjoy the street cafes and shops along the pedestrian street.You should be warned... 

 iandsmith Says:  The Pont Joly is one of a few bridges that you can cross to enter the town. The spectacular backdrop behind it makes it the most unforgettable way to arrive. We chose to pull up immediately and investigate on foot.If you're into photography I suggest you do the same as there... 

 hquittner Says:  The early part of the 15C saw the beginning of the modern art of sculpture. In Burgundy it had one of the most powerful exponents in Claus Sluter. He did not work alone, but had many assistants to help him prepare the stone with which he worked. Many of them as they became... 

 hquittner Says:  Although the nave is very tall and narrow, the most interesting part of the interior is the early 13C Gothic choir and transepts. which were built first. The triforium is tall and actually is a blind gallery. The arches above the capital below are raised and the clerestory... 

 hquittner Says:  Most churches have most elaborate stained glass windows. A few 16C ones are preserved in the church. But probably unique are those of the 15C preserved in the last two chapels (nearest to the transept). They were obviously given by the butchers (left chapel) and the drapers... 

 hquittner Says:  The treasure of the exterior of Notre Dame is its North Transept Door known as the Bled ("corn") Door. It is 13C and devoted to St. Thomas, the Apostle who is purported to be a builder (architect) by trade. In the upper left of the tympanum Thomas questions the Resurrection... 

 hquittner Says:  Here we have examples of late 13C and early 14C stone carving by anonymous masons. Were they "graduates" of the "school" of Claus Sluter down the road outside of Dijon? This is certainly a jump in skill on hard stone. Some cruder figures are on the base stones which may... 

 hquittner Says:  Semur possesses a fine 13-15C Gothic church which encompasses all of the styles. The church was started with the choir and transepts in the 13C, the West front with three portals and two towers were finished in the 14C and a protective porch with statues below the balustrade... 

 iandsmith Says:  Though it may have lost somewhat in the translation, I thought this message from the mayor was too wonderful to ignore."You will discover a city that prides itself on not being like others. As its history as its geography reflect a poetry and an unusual character. By its... 

 iandsmith Says:  If first impressions count for anything then you can't help but like Fontenay.The abbey at Fontenay is privately owned these days and open - it receives over 100,000 visitors each year. Not surprising because it is one of the highlights of the Burgundy region. It is located... 

 iandsmith Says:  The town is built on a pink granite spur and the rampart walk, while hilly to say the least, is charming. If you head in the opposite direction away from the church and, after you've gone a little way, head left down to the river, you'll come to Pont Pinard and its wonderful... 

 iandsmith Says:  Semur is among a group of towns in France with the title Stations Vertes de Vacances. To quote the official tourism website for Burgundy, "Stations Vertes de Vacances are picturesque towns or villages in France’s rural or mountain areas. They have all signed a Quality... 

 Lilasel Says:  Semur is a paradise for two singular types of artist: connoisseurs of furniture and old books and cinematographers. Auctions, galleries and antique shops greet the former. The image artists are first of all seduced by the overall pictures, and then charmed by the intact soul...