Autun has a long history, found in Ancient Roman times, the city was called Augustodunum, and there remain many traces of this period in and around the city.

Autun is also home to a military academy with a long list of well-known people including Patrice de Mac-Mahon, president of France from 1873 to 1879. 

There are many streets with old houses, boutiques and restaurants of all kinds. One of the most imposing buildings is the Cathédrale Saint-Lazare which was built in 1146, recently restored the cathedral is a worthwhile visit.

What to visit in Autun

• Cathédrale Saint-Lazare
• Prison Panoptique
• Museum Rolin
• Roman theatre
• Temple de Janus
• Tour des Ursulines
• The city gates of Arroux and Saint-André
• La Pyramide de Couhard
• The weekly Wednesday and Friday market
• The arcade

Petit Rue Chauchien

Rue aux Maréchaux

Overlooking the marketplace

The interior market hall

La Galerie Du Passage Balthus from the 19th-century

Cathédrale Saint-Lazare

The Roman pyramid "Pyramide de Couhard" dating 1st-century AD, was 30 metres high and covered in white marble.

Tour des Ursulines, which was once called the Tower of Prisoners is a dungeon dating from the 12 century

Roman theatre 1st-century AD

The remains of the Temple of Janus, dating from the 1st century AD, the structure is 20 metres high