Nestled adjacent to Pont Pinard, Vacation Burgundy's La Vue Armancon Cottage commands one of the best views of the village above. From the private upper stone terrace or the large lower garden, which borders the Armancon River, one has a complete view of Semur's ramparts, medieval stone towers and cathedral above. The cottage, which can comfortably sleep 4-6 people, has two bedrooms, 1.5 baths, laundry and a complete kitchen with all appliances and utilities.
Semur-en-Auxois is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque sites in Burgundy. Located just thirteen kilometres west of the Roman battlefield of Alisia, the small fortress town of Semur sits on a rocky bluff overlooking the Armancon River. It is an extraordinarily beautiful little place of cobbled lanes, medieval gateways and ancient gardens cascading down to the river. The villages maze of houses and streets are framed by the four massive stone towers of its medieval castle defenses and linked to the outside world by two venerable stone bridges straddling the river on either side of the rocky spur on which the old village is perched. All roads lead to place Notre-Dame, a handsome square dominated by the large thirteenth-century church of Notre-Dame characterized by its huge entrance porch and the narrowness of its nave. The best view is from the east in place de l'Ancienne-Comedie, past the finely sculpted north transept door (depicting the Life of Doubting Thomas), with a couple of Burgundy snails, symbol of Burgundy's culinary traditions, carved on the flanking columns. The cathedral, among other things, is known for its original, medieval glass windows that were dedicated in the 15th century by the butchers' and drapers' guilds to illustrate their trades and wealth. Down the street in front of the church and off to the left you come to the four sturdy towers of Semur's once powerful castle, all that is left after the body of the fortress was dismantled in 1602 (just prior to the beginning of the reign of Louis XIV) because of its utility to the enemies of the French crown. You can explore the winding streets around the castle. There's scarcely a street in town without some building of note. Then continue down the Escalier de Fornier to the delightful stretch of river between the Pont Pinard and Pont des Minimes from where there's a dramatic view of town above you.
