Location: Autun
Top Things to do in Autun
10 Things to Do in Autun That You Shouldn't Miss
Autun in France, from Europe region, is best know for Sacred & Religious Sites. Discover best things to do in Autun with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Autun
1. Cathedrale St-Lazare
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By sateldegaman - Talladega, Alabama
Because of a strange attempt at modernization in the early 18th century, the tympanums (or tympani for Latin literati) were saved from vandalism during the French Revolution. The bishop had ordered the sculptures covered over with plaster because they were deemed by him to be too strange and frightening. During the period of restoration of cathedrals in the 19th century, this fact was discovered and the plaster removed. The tympanums were seen to be truly incredible. Sculpted by an otherwise unknown sculptor named Gilbertus, the look like Impressionist or early 20th century artwork. Andre Malraux called them the work of a 12th century Cezanne. The Cathedral visit in free but the museum costs a few euros. The interior has been extensively restored but the tympanums are original. The church is named St. Lazare because at one time it held the alleged body of St. Lazarus. All it has now is a hand. Whoever's body it really was got desecrated (in my opinion) by being cut up to give relics to many other churches.
2. Theatre romain d'Autun
Overall Ratings
4 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By tjh2 - London
Once the largest ampitheatre in the whole of Gaul, this is a lovely place to stop by and see the view of the lake. It has been left to nature in some ways with grass growing etc, but still is well-maintained, and Concerts are held in the summer. Real sense of history and it's nice to see some of Autun's long and prestigious history here.
3. Musee Rolin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By ES1211 - Reading, United Kingdom
This museum is close to the St Lazare Cathedral, both must be seen if you visit Autun. You will have to be careful about the timing of your visits as the museum closes for lunch (I think that it closes 12.30 to 2.00).The museum is housed in an old town house with a pleasant courtyard. The museum starts with interesting Gallo-Roman artifacts and goes through to a modern art gallery. It was all well worth seeing,but what had taken us there was the sculpture of Eve by Gislebertus and that certainly did not disappoint.
4. Temple de Janus
Overall Ratings
4 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By OzGronk - Brisbane, Australia
The edifice is very big once you get up close and there is ongoing and fresh archeological excavations right around it bringing to light more of what was once obviously a huge building going by these unearthed foundations.
We noticed tourists driving up and immediately turning around without getting out to inspect what, in a lot of places, you would be charged to go and see.
5. Pyramide de Couhard
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By tristof_Liege - Liege, Belgium
This sculpture is VERY old (more than 2000 years old) and is damaged. Not much is known about its original function. To me, it's definitely worth a short detour after visiting Autun for the mystery around this sculpture and the incredible view to the city.
6. Briscou Cascade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By tjh2 - London
Lovely spot on the outskirts of the beautiful Autun, this area is worth a visit. Do spend time walking around here and seeing the Couhard and the lake if you are staying in Autun. There is a lot to see and it is wonderful to walk around in peace.
7. Porte d'Arroux
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By FrogladyCardiff - Cardiff
...and charioted, too. If you like the idea of driving or walking through a gateway that Romans used, then you'll like this. You may just end up driving through it by chance on the way into or out of Autun, as it's on a well-used road; serendipity. Don't drive up on the pavement trying to peer at it! Maybe not worth a day trip, but as Autun is well worth a day trip you could bundle this and the Porte St Andre together.
8. Lycee militaire
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By JEAN MICHEL L - Le Mee-sur-Seine, France
Bon le lycée militaire est toujours en activité, son bâtiment est remarquable avec ses tuiles vernissées comme à Beaune (ici vous êtes en Bourgogne à Autun) de plus vous pouvez visiter gratuitement dans l'un de ses bâtiments le musée des enfants de troupe, qui est très instructif et bien mis en valeur avec un cheminement de visite très intéressant. Prévoir une pièce d'identité.
9. Porte Saint-Andre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By FrogladyCardiff - Cardiff
As you can see from the photo, it's impressive. I see it every time I go shopping at Leclerc, but I don't know if it's worth a big detour unless you're really enthusiastic about Roman remains. It's in amazing condition, though I believe it was restored in a previous century (not sure when). There aren't many Roman gateways in such a good state, and to have it slap in the middle of Autun (well, a bit on the edge, but very close) is pretty cool. Combine a visit to this with the other great sights of Autun, and you can also pop up the road and do some shopping! One reviewer gave it 2 stars; I think because they felt it wasn't something to make a fuss over (not sure, as it's in Dutch and the Google translation's pretty odd). True, you wouldn't necessarily go miles out of your way, or expect drums and trumpets when you arrive, but it's still pretty cool.
10. Office de Tourisme du Grand Autunois Morvan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
The Tourist Information Centre welcomes you all year round, provides information and helps you discover the Autun region. A service organising customised group trips and stays. Unusual ideas to discover the region: the Pass Decouverte, the Pass Archeo, etc. A store: souvenirs, regional products, topoguides, maps, books, "Monnaie de Paris" medallions. A ticket-office for guided tours and shows.
Reviewed By cwgreene - Chicago, Illinois
The young lady spoke great English and was very helpful and gave us great ideas of other places to visit since most of the spots we wanted to visit were closed on Tuesday.
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