Châteauneuf-en-Auxois: Insider tip in Burgundy

08/05/2023

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Today I'll tell you where to find my favorite French village. And although it's on the list of the most beautiful villages in France, it's still a real insider tip: Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. Not to be confused with Châteauneuf du Pape in southern France, best known for its award-winning wine. This Châteauneuf, on the other hand, is in the middle of Bourgogne. For us, by the way, a visit is a must on any trip south due to the good location and the magic it exudes.

Interesting facts about Châteauneuf-en-Auxois in Burgundy

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is just 43 kilometers from Dijon and has just over 80 inhabitants. Châteauneuf is picturesquely situated on a hill, with the Canal de Bourgogne at its feet. Not to be missed is the Château de Châteauneuf, which watches over the city and makes it one of the most popular photo opportunities in Bourgogne. The castle was built from 1125 and used to secure the road from Autun to Dijon. Today it is a museum and open to visitors. But not only the castle creates a special atmosphere that I have rarely experienced before. So let's see if I can put into words this unique feeling that this place exudes (otherwise you can just let the pictures convince you.)

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is one of the medieval villages of France. And once you set foot through the imposing city gate, it feels as if time has stood still. Narrow, winding streets, vine-covered facades, the castle peeking out over the roofs of the city - everything here looks like something out of a fairy tale. You just have to let yourself drift, explore every corner and just let the magic work its magic. Unfortunately, this goes quite quickly, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is a really small place. But no problem, because I'll tell you the best way to pass the time. And of course there is the castle tour. After all, for most tourists, this is the main reason for coming here in the first place.

Opening hours and prices of the Château de Châteauneuf

The Château de Châteauneuf is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday is a rest day. A visit costs 5 euros (reduced 3.50). There are also extended options, such as visiting the garden or the vaulted roof. You can also combine a visit to the castle with a guided city tour (costs 10 euros). Dogs are unfortunately not allowed on the castle grounds.

Eating and drinking in Châteauneuf-en-Auxois: restaurant tips

In addition to the castle tour, you should definitely pay a visit to the cute cafes and restaurants and let the beautiful surroundings work their magic on you.

The Auberge du Marronier is particularly picturesque on a small square. We were served regional wine and regional beer on the terrace by the charming host and wished we could have stayed forever. According to the notices on the door, the food here is award-winning and typically French. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our dinner at L'Orée du Bois on the recommendation of our hostess. Although there was little going on in town when we visited in the fall, we were advised to book early. Luckily we did, because the store was packed full that evening. The crêpes and galettes, which we can recommend, are particularly popular here. And of course our dog was there too and was given a very friendly welcome.

Incidentally, most of the restaurants in Châteauneuf fit seamlessly into the medieval townscape, so Le Bistrot des Prés Verts à Châteauneuf is a bit out of line. Furnished with cool designer furniture, the bistro is much more modern than the competition, which is also reflected on the menu. Unfortunately, dogs are only allowed on the terrace. By the way, the restaurant is somewhat hidden in a charming side street near the castle.

Overnight in Chateauneuf

Châteauneuf is primarily a destination for day tourists. But I can assure you that staying in the medieval setting is a unique experience. We can recommend the Hostellerie du Château - La Table de Guillaume, a small, dog-friendly hotel with its own restaurant, which you will find right next to the castle. I also have an insider tip for campers.

Tip: Free mobile home parking space in Châteauneuf-en-Auxois

Directly on site you will find a promising and completely free mobile home parking lot. There are even toilets and you can walk to the pretty town in barely two minutes. There are also other campsites and free parking spaces at the nearby Reservoir de Panthier. This makes Châteauneuf-en-Auxois also ideal for a stopover on a camping trip.

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois with a dog

Of course we explored this place with a dog. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the castle, but you will also find many dog-friendly places here. So Frieda was welcome both in the hotels and in the restaurants (exception see above), and the quiet place is also ideal for a stopover with a dog because of its location alone. There are numerous green spaces along the site.

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois: access and parking

Access to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is really easy. If you are driving south or north on the A6 anyway (Autoroute du Soleil), it is only a small detour of around 10-15 minutes. It is best to enter the free parking lot as the destination in your navigation system (also for mobile homes, see above). From this parking lot you can walk to the town center within one to two minutes.

Aire de Stationnement Camping Car

6JCQ+HM, 21320 Chateauneuf, France


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