'''Autun''' is a small walled hill city in Burgundy, France.

Understand

Steeped in Roman history, complete with a spectacular gothic spire standing proud against the Morvan hills, Autun, formerly Augustinium, was a garrison town during the Roman Empire.

Although the lower parts of this city are fairly modern with bowling alleys, McDonalds and lots of students milling around, stroll further into the heart of the centre and you find yourself wandering through numerous winding streets lined with fantastic architecture, quaint shops, cafes and restaurants before reaching the rather impressive cathedral.

It_fs small enough to access everything on foot; but large enough to hold your interest for quite some time. It also has a beautiful French atmosphere that is just waiting for you to soak up!

Get in

Autun is accessible by bus or car, via secondary roads.

You can fly to Lyon, about 2 hours away by car.

Get around

See

  • The very well-preserved '''Roman walls''' which still surround most of the city.
  • The extraordinary Romanesque '''cathedral''' in the center of town.
  • The excellent museum.
  • Do

    The countryside in this area is truly breathtaking; from the Parc Regional du Morvan with its forest-clad hills and cascading streams, to authentic French villages where you can sit by the river with a freshly-made croissant and simply soak up the atmosphere.

    Buy

    There are numerous shops to peruse in Autun, but most alluring are the chocolate shops and patisseries.

    Eat

    Drink

    Sleep

    Try something other than a hotel; ''maison d'hotes'' / ''chambres d'hotes'' (bed and breakfasts), there are a few in or near the town.

  • Maison Saint Barbe. Place Sainte Barbe, 71400 Autun . 33 (0)3 85 86 24 77. ttp://www.maisonsaintebarbe.fr.st/.

  • Moulin Renaudiots. hemin du Vieux Moulin. 00)33 385 86 97 10 / (00)33 6 16 97 47 80. ttp://www.moulinrenaudiots.com. e-mail: contact@moulinrenaudiots.com, 4 star accommodation

    Get out