Towns

Autun

The Roman Emperor Augustus granted the Gallic Aedui a new capital, designed entirely according to Roman standards. The remarkably well-preserved city walls with two monumental gates are unique in France and can still be visited today. Further Roman influences can be discovered in Augustodunum. In the Roman theatre, competitions and performances are still held. The Musée Rolin complements this Roman theme, displaying numerous archaeological finds from this period.

Website: autun.com
Distance from the campsite: 56 km

Auxerre

Auxerre is the modest capital of the Yonne department. It is a pleasant town with excellent restaurants, interesting museums and a historic centre featuring a beautiful clock tower and magnificent half-timbered houses. Not to forget its football club which has belonged to the French top division for decades.

Website: auxerre.com
Distance from the campsite: 83 km

Beaune

Beaune is the most famous town in Burgundy, undoubtedly because it captures the imagination more than any other. The Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune (Hospices de Beaune) is the region’s major highlight. It is a striking example of flamboyant Gothic architecture with its magnificent, colourful tiled roof a true symbol of Burgundy.

Inside, the restored halls are well worth visiting, including the polyptych The Last Judgement by Rogier van der Weyden. Also visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame with its remarkable 16th-century tapestries depicting the life of the Virgin Mary.

Besides its rich history and culture, Beaune is also renowned for its wine houses. Most are located in the centre and along the inner ring road and are easily accessible on foot you truly do not need your car. For individual visitors, most wine tastings are free of charge (this does not apply to groups). Wine enthusiasts should visit the wine museum housed in the former Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne. We also recommend the Marché aux Vins, located just around the corner from the Hospices. For €10 you may taste 18 different wines during one hour in a truly unique setting.

Website: beaune.fr
Distance from the campsite: 104 km

Bibracte

Nearby lies another former Gallic capital, once home to one of the most powerful tribes of Gaul, the Aedui, who lived here during the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. Even Julius Caesar ruled here for a time.

Bibracte is located on Mont Beuvray at an altitude of 821 metres. The site is covered by a beautiful protected forest of 1,000 hectares, ideal for walking. Numerous Gallo-Roman remains can still be seen. You can visit the archaeological centre and the Museum of Celtic Civilisation (guided tours available).

Website: bibracte.fr
Distance from the campsite: 47 km

Bourbon-Lancy

A charming and picturesque town known for its thermal baths and wellness facilities.

Website: bourbon-lancy.com
Distance from the campsite: 27 km

Château-Chinon

Château-Chinon is the birthplace of François Mitterrand. At the Musée du Septennat you can admire the gifts he received as President of France. The Musée du Costume displays clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Website: nievre-tourisme.com
Distance from the campsite: 38 km

Clamecy

Clamecy was built on the rocky promontory where the rivers Yonne and Beuvron meet. Its historic centre and rich history, especially that of the timber raftsmen, make it particularly attractive. If you are visiting on 14 July, do not miss the traditional Joutes nautiques (water games), a festive legacy of the timber rafting tradition.

Website: clamecy.fr
Distance from the campsite: 89 km

Decize

Due to its strategic location, the site of Decize has always been inhabited. Neolithic flints have been discovered in the upper part of town. The earliest written reference to Decize appears in Caesar’s Gallic Wars. Numerous remains from this period and from the Middle Ages can still be seen.

Website: decize-confluence.fr
Distance from the campsite: 23 km

Luzy

Luzy is an ancient town where the Middle Ages have left their mark. In the 13th century it was a prosperous trading town and seat of a powerful barony. In the 15th century defensive walls were added. It is said that Saint Germain, Bishop of Paris, spent his youth here.

Website: luzy.fr
Distance from the campsite: 22 km

Moulins

Situated along the River Allier in a green landscape of hills and forests, Moulins flourished in the 15th century as the capital of the Dukes of Bourbon. Masterpieces such as the famous triptych Madonna in Glory by the Master of Moulins (circa 1498) can be admired in the cathedral of Notre-Dame.

The oldest monument is the “Malcoiffée”, named after the shape of its roof. The Belfry Jacquemart is also worth visiting.

Besides culture, Moulins offers pleasant shopping streets.

Website: moulins-tourisme.com
Distance from the campsite: 47 km

Nevers

The third most important city in Burgundy is Nevers. Start your walking tour at the cathedral in the city centre. This Gothic building features a second choir located in the crypt. From there, continue to the Ducal Palace with its magnificent façade. The local history museum of Nevers is housed in the palace cellars.

Nevers is also renowned for its earthenware. The first factory was established here, and the craft was introduced from Italy by the Conrade family. Their pottery was particularly distinguished by its characteristic blue tones, and this style flourished between 1620 and 1730. The Frédéric Blandin Museum presents the history of earthenware production in Nevers.

Another remarkable site is the Convent of Saint-Gildard, home to the Sisters of Nevers. Saint Bernadette Soubirous experienced several apparitions in Lourdes before withdrawing to Nevers to dedicate her life to caring for the sick. She died at a young age, but when her body was exhumed decades later, it was found to be remarkably well preserved. Today, her remains lie in a glass shrine.

Website: nevers-tourisme.com
Distance from the campsite: 54 km

Saint-Brisson

Saint-Brisson is the heart of the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Here you will find the Maison du Parc, a beautiful park with many walking paths and information about the Morvan.

Website: parcdumorvan.org
Distance from the campsite: 76 km

Saint-Honoré-les-Bains

Enjoy a wellness treatment at the thermal baths or try your luck at the casino.

Website: st-honore-les-bains.com
Distance from the campsite: 19 km

Vézelay

The golden age of Vézelay took place between the 10th and 13th centuries. The hill of Vézelay was renowned as a major pilgrimage site and served as a starting point for crusades and for pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. This prosperous period gave rise to an exceptional monument: the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The church houses relics of Mary Magdalene, which were officially recognised as authentic by the Pope in the 11th century. As a result, even greater numbers of pilgrims were drawn to the town, bringing increased prosperity. After the church was destroyed by fire, the present Romanesque masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century.

Today, visitors can still admire one of the finest sculptural ensembles of the Romanesque period. Further artistic treasures can be discovered at the Musée de l’Œuvre de la Basilique, where a remarkable rediscovered sculpture is on display, as well as elements from the restoration carried out under the direction of Viollet-le-Duc.

Website: vezelaytourisme.com
Distance from the campsite: 90 km