The outward journey - Friday, 5:50 p.m. - Paris Gare de Lyon
The journey begins at Gare de Lyon, from where you take your TGV to Le Creusot TGV station, then a shuttle to reach Autun. The journey, approximately 2 hours long, is an ideal opportunity to relax, enjoy the landscape of the passing valleys and mountains of Burgundy and prepare to organize your family weekend in Burgundy. At Le Creusot TGV station, take the Mobigo Shuttle which leaves at 7:25 p.m. and which will drop you off at the Lycée Militaire stop in Autun in 35 minutes.
Accommodation - Rendez-vous Maison Constant, at 22 rue de l'arquebuse, Autun
From the Lycée Militaire stop, walk 3 minutes to reach your hosts at 22 rue de l'Arquebuse. Amandine and Fabien will welcome you to Maison Constant , as considerate and discreet hosts. If necessary, a travel cot is available for the little ones. Older children will be able to sleep in the living room, in a "big" bed, while parents will enjoy hotel quality sleeping in their bedroom.
Dining in town - Restaurant Les remparts, a few blocks away
Head to Boulevard Mazagran, to the Les Remparts restaurant which serves typical dishes from the region. A first dive into Burgundy gastronomy, with culinary specialties from the Morvan, such as beef bourguignon or Burgundy snails. The restaurant offers a menu with a children's menu, which will delight the youngest, whether they are fans of classic dishes or ready to discover the dishes of the region. End the evening with a digestive stroll on the Champs de Mars square, which if the children are not too tired, will allow you to see the magnificent Town Hall, the theater, the Bonaparte high school and the Balthus passage. A first glimpse of the Autunois monuments before the big exploration the next day.
Saturday morning - Visit of Autun from an ancient perspective
Alternatively, if the weather is nice, start your stay with a visit to the old town, where you will discover the Roman remains, witnesses of the ancient city of Augustodunum, sister and emulator of Rome. The Roman theater, one of the largest in Gaul, and the Temple of Janus are must-sees. Start with the remains of the Temple of Apollo, which are located near Maison Constant.
If it rains, prefer to visit the Rolin Museum , which houses a rich collection of art and archaeology.
Saturday noon - Lunch in a typical bistro, at Alban's
On Saturday lunchtime, have lunch at the New Saint Georges Restaurant , where chef Alban offers a menu from here and elsewhere, between small typical French and northern European dishes within the reach of all budgets and which should delight everyone. younger.
Saturday Afternoon - Visit of the Upper Town
After this morning dedicated to Antiquity, head towards the Upper Town, and admire the Saint-Lazare Cathedral, a masterpiece of Burgundian Gothic art. Take the time to admire its stained glass windows, its sculptures and its cloister. The climb to the bell tower, with its 246 steps, is a challenge, but the panoramic view of the city and its surroundings is worth it.
Stroll through the upper quarters, and visit the surroundings of the ramparts and the Ursulines tower. In the middle of the afternoon, to have a well-deserved snack, go to the Atelier perché , a tea room which makes delicious pastries for adults and children.
At the end of the afternoon, take the opportunity to stroll through the streets of Autun, go shopping in the beautiful boutiques of the town center: Sankt ; a reference for horses and riding, Les archives , which offers very beautiful second-hand and designer clothing, or the very beautiful bookstore La Promise de l'aube where the whole family will find happiness.
Saturday evening - Dinner at La maison Constant
Once in town, grab dinner at the apartment from Nathalie Tallenaye , a renowned caterer, and go get something to delight the taste buds of young and old at Cave Laly . In addition to offering, through its windows, a museum of the old tools of the winemaker and wine merchant, the cellar offers a large collection of wines and spirits, including very beautiful bottles of Burgundy.
Sunday morning and noon - Hike in the Morvan park
On Sunday morning, go for a family hike in the Morvan regional natural park, located near Autun. If you feel like it, consider taking a picnic because some hikes offer picnic tables along the way!
Enjoy the landscapes of bocages, forests and lakes, ideal for relaxation and discovery of nature. The main path, to reach the Pyramid of Couhard , starts behind the Maison Constant. The Couhard pyramid, a Celtic vestige, was a funerary pyramid. From there, two options are available to you: follow the goat path , a loop of almost 7 km in the enchanting forests of Burgundy, where you visit waterfalls, sheepfold and wash house, or then opt for a sporty hike at the Assault on the Cross of Liberation from where you will have a breathtaking view of Autun and its surroundings.
The return - Sunday, 5:40 p.m. - Champs de Mars stop
At the end of the afternoon, after collecting your luggage from Amandine and Fabien, who kindly offer to keep it while waiting for you to take the bus, take the shuttle to the Champs de Mars stop. If you arrive on time enough, you can even grab an ice cream, crepe or waffle at the hut near the stop. The shuttle will drop you off at 6:30 p.m. at Le Creusot TGV station, or the 6:49 p.m. train will allow you to reach Gare de Lyon at 8:15 p.m., your head full of memories and beautiful images.
This family weekend in Autun was a unique opportunity to combine cultural discovery, relaxation and a return to nature. You will appreciate the charm of this city, its rich historical heritage and the beauty of its landscapes. You will return home refreshed, with the feeling of having had a wonderful family stay in Autun.
Are you passing through the region? Discover our Airbnb in Autun .