Cathedral of Autun – Roman theatre in Autun 🇨🇵 loop from Autun

Hiking trails & Routes

France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Cathedral of Autun – Roman theatre in Autun 🇨🇵 loop from Autun

Moderate

3.9

(10)

hikers

Cathedral of Autun – Roman theatre in Autun 🇨🇵 loop from Autun

02:24

8.85km

120m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Parc naturel régional du Morvan

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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1.53 km

Autun

Highlight • Settlement

Autun a city where it is good to get lost.

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3.52 km

The Saint-Lazare Cathedral of Autun is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture in Burgundy, renowned for its sculptures and magnificent architectural details. Built in the 12th century, dedicated to Saint Lazarus, considered the first bishop of Autun, it was an important place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages, particularly because of the supposed presence of relics of Saint Lazarus.
The cathedral is particularly famous for its tympanum, sculpted by Gislebertus, a master Romanesque sculptor. This tympanum depicts the Last Judgement in striking detail (Christ in majesty, saved and damned souls, and a terrifying representation of demons), reflecting the importance of the religious themes of salvation and damnation in medieval art. This masterpiece is one of the most admired works of Romanesque sculpture.
Inside the cathedral, the capitals of the columns are decorated with biblical scenes and symbolic stories, also attributed to Gislebertus. These sculptures, of great finesse, tell stories taken from the Old and New Testaments.
The cathedral has barrel vaults, semicircular arches and Gothic elements that were added later, including the choir rebuilt in the 15th century. It thus embodies the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles in Burgundy.
Autun Cathedral deserves… no! Requires your visit.

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3.55 km

Saint-Lazare Fountain

Highlight • Settlement

Here is a very pretty paved square located opposite the tympanum of the cathedral. It is decorated with the Saint-Lazare fountain. You will find something to eat or refresh yourself here.
Denis Grivot was a great historian passionate about the city of Autun. He occupied a prominent place in the local world. Ordained a priest in 1947, the abbot became vicar of the Saint-Lazare cathedral. He accumulated responsibilities and honors: choirmaster of the cathedral, knight in the National Order of Merit, Commander of Arts and Letters, knight of the Academic Palms… He died on July 9, 2008, at the age of 87.

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5.05 km

Camper Van Parking at Lac des Settons

Highlight • Parking

5.35 km

Roman theatre in Autun 🇨🇵

Highlight • Historical Site

The Roman Theatre of Autun, built around 70 AD, is one of the largest ancient theatres in Roman Gaul. It could accommodate around 15,000 to 20,000 spectators. Located in the city of Autun, formerly called Augustodunum under the Roman Empire, this monument bears witness to the grandeur of the city at that time.
The theatre is distinguished by its vast cavea (the space reserved for spectators), which extends over a natural hill, thus providing excellent acoustics. It is oriented so that spectators have a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The shows given there were varied: theatrical performances, public speeches, and probably gladiatorial shows or religious ceremonies.
Today, it remains an important archaeological site. Every summer, cultural events are organized there, such as concerts or historical reenactments, in order to revive the spirit of Antiquity.

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5.41 km

View of the Plan d'eau

Highlight • Other

Like almost every French city, there is a lake here; But it also deserves this name because it not only invites you to relax, but also offers various water sports options

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5.82 km

Marble Promenade

Highlight • Other

Nice avenue for walks, with lots of benches, flanked by a large free parking lot - great location; very close to the pedestrian zone and not far to the cathedral

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6.38 km