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A town of curiosities
The fortified town of Semur-en-Auxois, in northern Burgundy, is a beautiful mediaeval town built on a hill above the River Armançon. Of its original fortifications, only four towers remain, as much of the castle was dismantled in the early seventeenth century to prevent it being used against the French government of the time. The little town wends its tranquil way down the hill to the river, in a most attractive fashion, and there are many fascinating and delightful corners to discover en route. There are many historic buildings, ancient gateways and hidden gardens, and the setting of the town is a joy in itself, with the Auxois plain stretching away along the path of the river below.
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Wining and dining
When in Burgundy, which has (arguably) the greatest of all French gastronomies and certainly the finest of all French wines, there is simply no excuse not to make the effort to wine and dine in style. Semur-en-Auxois has plenty of excellent restaurants, and the choice of locally produced wines is second to none.
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Shopping and living…
It is said that in Burgundy, the living is easy… whether it is summer time or not. Certainly it isn’t difficult to live in Semur-en-Auxois, as the town provides pretty well everything you need to get by, and very comfortably too! There are all the usual shops and amenities, with pharmacies, boulangeries, patisseries, wine caves and banks all on hand.
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Entertainment and activities
There is a museum and a library in Semur-en-Auxois, and of these the library is particularly interesting as it has some fine illuminated manuscripts. If your tastes run to the more active, there is a good golf course nearby, with swimming, horse-riding, cycling and tennis all available as well. Wine buffs may enjoy trips to the vineyards and famous wine domains, where tastings can be arranged and you can purchase bottles (or crates!) of your favourite wines to take home.
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How to get there
The Côte-d’Or is not as easily accessible by air as some parts of France, as the local airport of Dijon does not operate direct flights from the UK. It is however, relatively simple to take a flight to Paris and then catch a domestic flight to Dijon. The TGV fast train may be the best way to travel, as you can catch Eurostar in Waterloo, change to a TGV at Paris and arrive at Dijon, all in around six hours!
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Property prices and availability in and around Semur-en-Auxois
Burgundy property is usually of excellent quality, and the prices are on the high side. The area is popular with those who appreciate its fine living, although it is not as heavily populated by British ex pats as some other parts of France. Semur-en-Auxois is a popular town due to its many attractive features, so if you find a property you like here don’t wait too long!
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SEMUR-EN-AUXOIS AT A GLANCE |
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