Day Itinerary
15 Activities
Day 2
137 mi2 mi
Travelling Through History
Roman, Medieval, Renaissance... today's drive will take you through a vast range of historical periods. There are many well-preserved structures on this route but, as well as manmade marvels, there's also the beauty and refuge of nature such as the Marais de Bourges.
28.7 mi
40 min
08:305 min
Parking des Tanneries
Parking
Open Details
Start your second day by driving 40 minutes southwest of Dijon to the town of Beaune. This car park is conveniently located for your morning's activities.
0.2 mi
5 min
08:4515 min
Tour des Cordeliers
Historic Site
Open Details
Beaune is a walled city and its ramparts were constructed over the course of two hundred years during the Middle Ages (encompassing the duration of the Hundred Years' War).
Many of these protective walls and buildings still exist today, including the Tour des Corderliers. You can explore the ramparts in a circular loop around Beaune, following this map.
Many of these protective walls and buildings still exist today, including the Tour des Corderliers. You can explore the ramparts in a circular loop around Beaune, following this map.
0.6 mi
15 min
09:3015 min
Porte Saint-Nicolas
Open Details
Following the map, you’ll encounter plenty of exciting and iconic places. Be sure to look out for the Porte Saint-Nicolas, which has hosted many important people in France – Henri II, Charles IX, accompanied by the Queen Mother, and Louis XIII.
0.5 mi
10 min
10:001 hr
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Landmark
Open Details
Following the Hundred Years' War, most of the population was left in poverty, so the Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices Civils de Beaune was created to take care of the poor and sick. Its philanthropic mission still lives on today through its annual charity wine auction.
The building is one of the best-preserved examples of Renaissance architecture in Europe.
Buy your ticket for touring the Hôtel-Dieu in English or in French. It’s open every day, but open hours fluctuate, so check it online in advance.
The building is one of the best-preserved examples of Renaissance architecture in Europe.
Buy your ticket for touring the Hôtel-Dieu in English or in French. It’s open every day, but open hours fluctuate, so check it online in advance.
0.2 mi
5 min
11:155 min
Parking des Tanneries
Parking
Open Details
Head back to your car and continue onwards to the town of Autun.
29.7 mi
50 min
12:1515 min
Théâtre Romain
Landmark
Open Details
You may be surprised to discover a number of Roman structures in this small town, but Autun was actually founded by the Romans. One of the most remarkable structures left behind is the Théâtre Romain, which was built into the natural slope of the land to accommodate 20,000 spectators.
Stroll around the theatre, take a seat, and imagine watching a Roman performance.
Stroll around the theatre, take a seat, and imagine watching a Roman performance.
1.1 mi
5 min
12:451 hr
Le Cathedral
Café
Open Details
For lunch, enjoy a fresh goat's cheese and honey salad in the shady square right next to the cathedral in warmer months, or a hearty beef bourguignon inside the cosy stone-walled restaurant in cooler months.
Finish it off the classic French way with a cheese platter, dessert, and coffee.
For bookings, see Le Cathedral's contact details on their website.
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tuesday: Closed
Finish it off the classic French way with a cheese platter, dessert, and coffee.
For bookings, see Le Cathedral's contact details on their website.
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tuesday: Closed
24 mi
50 min
14:4515 min
Panorama du Calvaire
Open Details
Stop at this hilltop viewpoint, which used to be the site of a castle until it was destroyed in a battle between the Duke of Burgundy, known as Charles the Bold, and Louis XI. Some of the ruins are still there, but more impressive is the 360-degree view of the surrounding region. Get to know the landscape by using the orientation table.
Street parking is available on Rue du Calvaire. There is a pedestrians- and cyclists-only footpath leading to the top of the viewpoint.
Street parking is available on Rue du Calvaire. There is a pedestrians- and cyclists-only footpath leading to the top of the viewpoint.
40.7 mi
1 hr 10 min
16:1530 min
Faïencerie Georges
Furniture / Home Store
Open Details
The production of faience, or tin-glazed pottery, was a huge industry in the city of Nevers after it was introduced by Italian migrants in the 16th century. The local industry slowly shut down following the 19th century, but there are still two artisans producing these iconic ceramics in Nevers today.
Visit Faïencerie Georges to browse these pieces of art and buy your own piece of local heritage.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday – Monday: Closed
Visit Faïencerie Georges to browse these pieces of art and buy your own piece of local heritage.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday – Monday: Closed
41.2 mi
1 hr 10 min
18:005 min
Parking Anatole France
Parking
Open Details
This car park is the easiest place to find parking near your next destination, the Marais (or marshes) of Bourges.
0.4 mi
10 min
18:151 hr
Jardins des Marais de Bourges
Park
Open Details
The Marais de Bourges acts as a green lung for the city — it's a space for locals to breathe and unwind away from the hustle and bustle. The 135 hectares of marshland are made up of allotment gardens, which have been in use since the 17th century.
Discover the marsh by strolling along the public paths between gardens, or take a boat ride along the rivers and canals if visiting between April and September. Check the official Bourges Tourism website for information about boat trips. Booking in advance is essential.
If you aren't in the mood for boat trips or travelling out of boat season, they also have a map of the marshes, including footpaths. You can stroll around the Marais all year round.
Discover the marsh by strolling along the public paths between gardens, or take a boat ride along the rivers and canals if visiting between April and September. Check the official Bourges Tourism website for information about boat trips. Booking in advance is essential.
If you aren't in the mood for boat trips or travelling out of boat season, they also have a map of the marshes, including footpaths. You can stroll around the Marais all year round.
0.4 mi
10 min
19:305 min
Parking Anatole France
Parking
Open Details
After a wonderful exploration of the Marais de Bourges, make your way back to your car so that you can head to your hotel and check in for the night.
0.8 mi
5 min
19:4515 min
Le Panette
Lodging
Open Details
Your hotel for today is l'Hôtel de Panette, which is located in a mansion built by 18th-century nobility. Check in and freshen up before dining out.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions in this link.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions in this link.
0.3 mi
10 min
20:151 hr 30 min
La Gargouille
Restaurant
Open Details
This bistro takes a more modern and creative approach to French cuisine, which is evident in dishes such as the beef tartare with parmesan, tomato confit, olives and pesto, and the pork belly served with an olive and sage jus.
If you're a dessert lover, don't miss the liquorice panna cotta with raspberries and yuzu chocolate.
Book your table online.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Sunday: Closed
If you're a dessert lover, don't miss the liquorice panna cotta with raspberries and yuzu chocolate.
Book your table online.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Sunday: Closed
0.3 mi
10 min
22:0010 hrs
Le Panette
Lodging
Open Details
The hotel retains its historical charm by maintaining an ornate design fit for nobility. Expect glistening chandeliers, embroidered furniture, and bronze candelabras.
Each of the rooms is themed after a renowned person who once made the mansion their home. You'll sleep like a king or queen tonight!
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions in this link.
Each of the rooms is themed after a renowned person who once made the mansion their home. You'll sleep like a king or queen tonight!
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions in this link.