Châteauneuf-en-Auxois:hilltop village and medieval castle

Perched on a rocky spur at 500 metres altitude, Chateauneuf-en-Auxois is one of the most spectacular villages in Burgundy. Listed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages since 1982, it offers an exceptional panorama over the Burgundy Canal and the Auxois valley. Its medieval castle, perched at the top of the rock, tells the story of the power of the Dukes of Burgundy and their loyal knights. This guide reveals this perched jewel and gives you all the keys to organise your visit.

The castle of Chateauneuf: a preserved medieval fortress

A 12th-century keep

The castle was built from 1132 by Jean de Chaudenay, with an imposing square keep - the oldest element - that still dominates the village. In the 13th century, a chapel was added, then the fortifications were reinforced during the Hundred Years’ War with ramparts and five towers that follow the shape of the rock. The position was strategic: the castle controlled the road connecting Dijon to Paris and the waterway of the Burgundy Canal.

Philippe Pot and the Golden Fleece

The most illustrious figure linked to the castle is Philippe Pot (1428-1493), knight of the Golden Fleece and counsellor to the Dukes of Burgundy Philip the Good and Charles the Bold. He considerably enlarged the castle in the 15th century, adding two residences and restoring the chapel. His motto “Tant L Vault” is engraved in multiple places in the château.

Philippe Pot is also known for his remarkable tomb, a polychrome replica of which is displayed at the castle - the original limestone work, carried by eight mourners, is kept at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The chapel with murals

Restored in the 15th century, the castle chapel preserves medieval murals. These frescoes testify to the religious and political importance of the castle at the time of the Valois Dukes of Burgundy.

Donation to the State

In 1936, Count Georges de Vogüé donated the castle to the State. It is now managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux and listed as a Historic Monument.

The perched village: streets and panorama

Chateauneuf-en-Auxois is a typical medieval village of the Auxois: limestone houses, flat tile roofs and narrow cobbled streets. The village has fewer than 100 inhabitants year-round but comes alive in the tourist season.

A walk through the streets is a journey through time: each house, each door, each staircase tells a story of life in this perched village since the 12th century.

The view over the Burgundy Canal

From the castle belvedere and the village viewpoints, the panorama is striking. 300 metres below meanders the Burgundy Canal, opened in 1832, which connects the Yonne to the Saône over 242 km. The village sits ideally above the Pouilly-en-Auxois tunnel, one of France’s longest canal tunnels at 3,350 metres, excavated between 1826 and 1832.

A popular filming location

Thanks to its authenticity and exceptional panorama, Chateauneuf is regularly chosen as a filming location for films and advertisements. Several French productions have set up their cameras here, attracted by the preserved perched village.

Visiting Chateauneuf-en-Auxois: practical information

The castle: hours and prices

The castle is open daily except Monday. Closed 1 January, 1 May, 1 November, 11 November and 25 December.

• September to June: 9:45am-12:30pm and 2pm-5:30pm
• July-August: 9:45am-12:30pm and 2pm-6pm
• Admission: EUR 6 (full price) | EUR 4.50 (reduced) | Free for under-12s

Getting there

• By car: A6 exit 24 (Pouilly-en-Auxois), follow the D977bis. Free parking at the foot of the village.
• By bike: The Burgundy Canal cycle path runs at the foot of the village.
• By train: Montbard TGV station, then taxi (30 km).

Nearby activities

• Walk along the canal: stroll or cycle on the towpaths.
• Three Castles Loop: hiking trail linking Chateauneuf to two other Auxois castles.
• Canal reservoirs: the lakes of Panthier, Cercey and Grosbois offer beautiful nature walks.