Autun Travel Guide
City City in Bourgogne region, France
Roman gates and the sculpted tympanum of Saint‑Lazare cathedral give Autun its shape; tourists visit for Gallo‑Roman ruins, stonework by Gislebertus, and Burgundy vineyards nearby.
Why Visit Autun? #
Autun appeals to lovers of antiquity and Romanesque art, with Roman gates like the Porte d’Arroux and the striking Cathédrale Saint-Lazare featuring Gislebertus sculptures. Small museums, cobbled streets and nearby Burgundy vineyards add layers of culture and gastronomy. It’s a rewarding stop for those drawn to archaeology and medieval artistry in a quiet provincial setting.
Top Things to Do in Autun
All Attractions ›
- Cathédrale Saint-Lazare d'Autun - See the Romanesque sculptures, especially the Last Judgment tympanum at Saint-Lazare.
- Roman Theatre of Autun - Walk the Roman theatre ruins and imagine ancient performances in this hilltop site.
- Musée Rolin - Browse fine art and local archaeology at Musée Rolin inside a handsome townhouse.
- Cathedral crypts and Romanesque cellars - Descend to Autun's cathedral crypts to see ancient tombs and carved capitals.
- Lesser-known Roman mosaics - View lesser-known Roman mosaics and artifacts housed in municipal displays around town.
- Côte Chalonnaise vineyards - Drive into Côte Chalonnaise for intimate tastings at family-run Burgundy wineries.
- Beaune - Visit Beaune for its Hospices, wine cellars, and Burgundy wine market culture.
- Vézelay - See Vézelay's Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and hilltop medieval streets, pilgrimage heritage.
Best Time to Visit Autun #
Autun is great from late spring through early autumn when vineyards and Roman ruins are most accessible. Winters are cold and quiet - ideal for cozy cafés and off-season walking.
Best Time to Visit Autun #
Autun's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (814 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 82 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Autun
Autun is best reached via regional rail from Le Creusot / Montchanin or by car from Dijon or Lyon. The town has TER connections making it accessible for visitors touring Burgundy's historical sites.
Dijon-Bourgogne (DIJ) / Lyon-Saint‑Exupéry (LYS): Autun is inland and best accessed via regional airports at Dijon or Lyon. From those airports take trains or rental cars to Autun (rail routes via Le Creusot / Montchanin are common).
Paris airports: Paris (CDG/ORY) is another option with onward TGV/TER connections to the Burgundy region and local trains to Autun via Le Creusot TGV or Montchanin stations.
Train: Gare d’Autun has TER services to Le Creusot, Montchanin and further connections to Dijon and Lyon. Travel times to regional rail hubs are typically under 1.5 hours depending on connections.
Bus: Departmental coaches link Autun with smaller towns in Bourgogne; useful for reaching rural sites not on the rail network.
How to Get Around Autun #
Autun is compact and walkable; the Roman ruins and medieval streets are best seen on foot. Regional buses link Autun with neighbouring towns and there are train connections to larger regional hubs, though services are not very frequent. Taxis are available for short hops; expect local bus fares to be a few euros. Bring good shoes for uneven historic streets and hillier sections of the town.
Where to Stay in Autun #
Where to Eat in Autun #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Autun's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Autun #
Autun’s nightlife is low-key, with a selection of cafés and wine bars clustered in the historic centre. Live-music and late-night venues are limited, so evenings tend to be relaxed affairs over dinner and drinks. Festival periods bring extra evening events, otherwise nights are calm.
Shopping in Autun #
Shopping in Autun centers on small independent shops, bakeries, and weekly markets offering regional produce and artisanal food. There are antiques and secondhand shops in town reflecting the area’s long history. For major brand shopping, larger Burgundy cities provide more options.
