Places to visit nearby
To extend your stay and make the most of the Côte-d’Or, discover some exceptional sites in the area around Alésia.
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5 mins away
Bussy-Rabutin Castle
Nestled in the heart of the Burgundian plain, this 15th- and 17th-century château was the opulent residence of the Count of Bussy-Rabutin, who was exiled from the court of Louis XIV. The interior is a unique attraction: galleries of court portraits, satirical mottos and personal décor make it one of the most distinctive châteaux in Burgundy. The French-style gardens, understated and elegant, are worth the visit in their own right.
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10 mins away
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain
Perched on a rocky outcrop, this medieval village – ranked amongst the most beautiful in France – seems suspended in time. Its cobbled streets, ramparts, Carolingian abbey and Renaissance houses make it a true architectural gem. Flavigny is also known worldwide for a local speciality: ‘Flavigny aniseed sweets’, which have been produced continuously in the former abbey since the 9th century.
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15 mins away
Fontenay Abbey
Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Fontenay Abbey is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in France and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bare stone, clean lines, silence: everything here bears witness to the ideal of simplicity championed by the Cistercians. The abbey church, the cloister, the chapter house and the gardens form a complex of rare serenity, which appeals to history buffs and casual visitors alike.
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20 mins away
Semur-en-Auxois
Perched on a granite promontory above the River Armançon, Semur-en-Auxois is one of Burgundy’s most picturesque medieval towns. Its four round towers, ramparts, gently sloping narrow streets and the beautiful Notre-Dame collegiate church combine to form a remarkably well-preserved scene. The town is lively and bustling with shops, making it ideal for a lunch break or a stroll along the riverbank.
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At 1H
The Musée du Pays Châtillonnais – The Vix Treasure
In Châtillon-sur-Seine, this museum houses one of France’s most spectacular archaeological treasures: the grave goods of the Lady of Vix, a Celtic princess buried around 500 BC. The centrepiece is a 208 kg bronze krater, the largest ancient Greek vase ever found, of astonishing formal perfection. An ideal complement to a visit to Alésia for anyone interested in the Iron Age civilisations of Burgundy.
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At 1.45
Bibracte
Perched on the slopes of Mont Beuvray, in the heart of the Morvan, Bibracte was the capital of the Aedui, a Gallic people allied with Caesar, and the place where Vercingetorix was elected leader of the Gallic coalition prior to the Battle of Alesia. The archaeological site, currently under excavation, and the museum – with its superbly designed displays – offer a fascinating insight into Celtic civilisation. An unmissable stop to extend your journey into the heart of Gaul.