Beautiful village and wooded countryside
Semur-en-Brionnais: visiting the village and surrounding area
Fancy a spot of culture? Then we recommend you visit Semur-en-Brionnais! In this classified village, you'll be able to admire ancient buildings, a Romanesque church and an old château. Then, for a taste of the countryside, you can continue your getaway in the Charolais-Brionnais. In this little area of the French countryside, the wonderful shades of green are dotted with herds of Charolais cattle, elegant châteaus, beautiful Romanesque churches and the gentle-flowing waters of the canals.
Visiting the village
Welcome to Semur-en-Brionnais, historic capital of the Brionnais, from the Latin "senemurum" which means "ancient walls".
We recommend:
- A stroll around the old town up on a headland. It is one of the 159 "Most Beautiful Villages in France"
- Saint-Hilaire Romanesque church, with lavish decorations and a style that marks the transition between the end of the Roman times, and beginning of the Gothic era.
- The Château Saint Hugues where Abbott Hugh of Semur, future founder of Cluny Abbey, was born. Admire the breathtaking view of the vineyard and surrounding countryside.
Sightseeing
Road trip in the Charolais-Brionnais
The Charolais-Brionnais, "Pays d’Art et d’Histoire" (Land of Art and History) is a mini Burgundy in itself. This little region has everything that makes the whole destination so popular:
- the waters of the Canal du Centre for a boat trip or bike ride along the greenway cycle path
- wide-open stretches of greenery where the globally renowned Charolais cattle graze peacefully,
- unique savoir-faire acquired throughout the centuries, especially with regards faience and ceramics,
- elegant châteaus and countless Romanesque churches
All you need to take unforgettable memories home from your holiday in the French countryside.
The Romanesque churches of the Brionnais
A trip along the Canal du Centre
The Château de Drée
The typical wooded countryside of the Charolais-Brionnais
Did you know?
A candidate for UNESCO world heritage!
In the Charolais-Brionnais, the grass that covers the wooded countryside, meadows and pastures is guaranteed 4 stars! The breeders in the local area chose their location well. It is this very grass that the iconic Charolais cattle feed on, therefore helping to maintain the exceptional quality of the countryside here.
This breeding land hasn't changed throughout the centuries, and is a candidate for UNESCO world heritage status.
Are you a fan of nature and beautiful villages?
