Nestled between Burgundy and Champagne, Châtillon-sur-Seine in Côte-d'Or is the very first town through which the River Seine runs. It lies at the foot of a hill bearing the ruins of a fortified castle and has some beautiful medieval heritage. Overlooking the town's rooftops from the top of its rocky promontory, the Church of St. Vorles, which is over 1,000 years old, is a real gem of the 11th-century Romanesque style. Inside, you can admire a Renaissance Entombment. Continuing your walk, you will come across the 12th-century Church of St. Nicholas, also a listed historic monument, with its beautiful 16th-century stained glass windows depicting the Tree of Jesse and the legend of the Way of St. James pilgrims.
Also not to be missed is the famous site of the Douix spring. This Vauclusian resurgence with its clear waters is located in a charming, green spot at the foot of a rocky escarpment, ideal for a short break between visiting two places of interest.
The town also has one of its most beautiful historic treasures on display in its Museum of Pays Châtillonnais. This is the Treasure of Vix, an incredible Greek bronze vase found in the tomb of the Celtic Princess of Vix. Dating back to the Iron Age, around the 6th century BC, its size and weight are impressive: 1.64 m and 208 kg! The museum housing this unique artefact tells the story of the Châtillonnais area, from prehistory to the present day, through various objects found during excavations.
Not far from the town, a vast and verdant forest offers some wonderful nature walks.
City of Côte-d'Or on the borders of Burgundy and Champagne, Châtillon-sur-Seine takes place eighty kilometers from Dijon, in the center of the Pays Châtillonnais. Awarded two flowers in the contest of towns and villages in bloom and labeled the most beautiful detours of France, it is located near Vix, Buncey and Cérilly.
Populated since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the remains found on site, the territory of Châtillon-sur-Seine developed in the course of the Middle Ages, particularly with the proliferation of religious institutions in the region. The city is modernized in the nineteenth century, especially through the steel industry and its foundries. The industry declines after the Second World War, and the town turns to the production of Crémant de Bourgogne and the timber industry.
Located in the heart of a region rich in archaeological remains, the city of Châtillon-sur-Seine attracts visitors with its incredible architectural heritage and cultural events.
Located at the top of a hill, the Saint-Vorles church is today classified as an historic monument. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, it is located on the original site of the town in Gallo-Roman times. Inside, it is possible to admire a very beautiful Entombment, as well as a 4th century oratory in the crypt. It is located not far from the ruins of the castle of the Dukes of Burgundy.
Also listed, the Saint-Nicolas church dates from the end of the 12th century. It presents classified stained glass windows representing in particular the tree of Jesse or the history of the pilgrims of Saint-Jacques. The town was indeed a starting point for one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela.
Do not miss to visit the Saint-Pierre church, a former Notre-Dame abbey listed as an historic monument. Its conventual buildings, built in the 12th century, house the new museum.
While strolling in the city, you will be able to admire other classified sites like the hotel Philandrier of Renaissance style which shelters the old archaeological museum, the convent of Cordeliers rebuilt in the XVIIth century and which accommodated the headquarters of the Marshal Joffre during the first battle of the Marne, or the Hôtel du Congrès, a 17th century mansion.
It is possible to see the remains of the 17th century ramparts in various places in the city such as the Porte Dijonnaise, the Saint-Christophe tower, or the Cérilly tower.
If you want to enjoy the local flora and fauna, head for the Châtillon-sur-Seine forest and its pleasant trails. Also worth seeing are the remarkable sources of the Douix.
- The market is held every Saturday morning.
- The feast of Crémant and Tape Chaudron is held in March, offering tastings and various animations.
- In April, place at the auto show and its exhibition of old and modern vehicles.
- Beginning of June, place to chatillon days with their exhibitors, entertainment and concerts.
- A garage sale is organized on August 15th until nightfall.
- A Christmas market is proposed at the end of the year.
Expo de Poteries de Pascal Pierre
- From 16 may to 31 july 2024
- 1 rue du Bourd, Maison Philandrier
- Exhibition of Pascal Pierre's pottery and workshops by appointment : 06 15 39 47 67. - Cats, turtles, characters… a whole world to discover !
Nuit Européennes des Musées - Les 15 ans du Musée du Pays Châtillonnais - Trésor de Vix
- On 18 may 2024
- 14 Rue de la Libération, Musée du Pays Châtillonnais - Trésor de Vix
- Come and celebrate the museum's 15th anniversary with lights and music on European Museum Night, 18 May 2024 ! - The Musée du Pays Châtillonnais - Trésor de Vix welcomes the Remue Ménage company and their "love parade" for a night-time stroll between 9pm and 11pm in the centre of Châtillon-sur-Seine. - Free - Leaving from the main courtyard of the museum at 9pm.
Village Côte-d'Or Terre de Jeux 2024 à Châtillon-sur-Seine
- On 18 may 2024
- Jardin de la Mairie et du Souvenir-Français, Rue Président Carnot
- Want to try out some new sports ? Come and take part in the Côte-d'Or Village, organised by the Department ! To celebrate this Olympic year, on Saturday 18 May 2024 from 10am, the town hall and French memorial gardens in Châtillon-sur-Seine will be hosting a host of sports-related events and activities. This will be an opportunity for you and your family or friends to discover new sporting activities. On the programme : archery, judo, handball, boxing, pétanque, etc.
"Archéocapsule : Archéologie des Sexes" - Exposition Temporaire du Musée du Pays Châtillonnais - Trésor de Vix
- From 1 june to 31 august 2024
- 14 Rue de la Libération
- On what basis did archaeologists identify the body found at Vix as that of a woman, known today as the "Lady" or "Princess" of Vix ? Why was, and still is, this sexual identification debated ? How has this discovery changed our view of the society in which the Lady of Vix lived ? - Come and discover the answers to these questions, from 1 June to 31 August 2024, during the temporary exhibition at the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais - Trésor de Vix : "Archéocapsules : archéologie des sexes", designed and produced by the Institut National de Recherche en Archéologie Préventive (INRAP). Archéocapsules are travelling exhibitions organised by INRAP that put a contemporary issue into perspective through the lens of archaeology. Produced on light, mobile media, this exhibition is integrated into the collections of the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais - Trésor de Vix to highlight the importance of sexual differentiation in our understanding of past societies.
Les Journees Châtillonnaises 2024 - Grande Foire des Savoir-Faire Locaux
- From 1 to 2 june 2024
- Esplanade du Cours l'Abbé
- Descriptive - The great open-air showcase of local expertise gets A makeover in 2024 ! - On the programme : - - Over 100 exhibitors : Craftsmen, producers, entrepreneurs, farmers ! - - Shows : sunny, rhythmic concerts - - Creative workshops : kites, painting, wool - - Demonstrations : stone-cutting, pottery - - On-site catering : temporary restaurant, 100% farmhouse burgers, patisserie, beers, crémant, etc. - - Fun area : merry-go-round, trampoline, slides - Good news : admission and entertainment are free ! - short description - The great open-air fair of local know-how : - demonstrations - entertainment - concerts - workshops - games - On-site catering - Free admission - Long description - The great open-air fair of local know-how has A new twist ! - It's the place to be if you're curious about the treasures of our region or if you're passionate about local skills. - A meeting place - Over 100 exhibitors will be on hand to share their passion for their trade : craftspeople, producers, entrepreneurs and farmers ! - A place for families to share - Experience a range of creative workshops, including kite-making, painting classes and wool carding. - Demonstrations will be held throughout the day to help visitors share their know-how. - There will also be a special children's area with a merry-go-round, trampoline, slides and pony rides. - festive fun for all the family - These two days will be punctuated by sunny concerts : Fever-Radio Moa-Cala-Tio Pepe. - There'll also be dancing by our dancers : Lydie Show, Les Mistinguettes, Séverine & Cie. - A gourmet area - A temporary 80-cover restaurant - Specialities from here and elsewhere to enjoy on the go : - - 100% farmhouse burgers, - - Samoussa and island delicacies - - Oriental pastries - - Traditional beers - - Crémant du Châtillonnais - - - The little extras that make all the difference - Admission and entertainment are free ! - The site is accessible for people with reduced mobility. - Plenty of shaded areas
Concert : L'Orchestre National des Forêts
- On 9 june 2024
- Rue de la Douix, Source de la Douix
- Concert - Acoustic guitar-voice duet - A guitar-voice duo reading and concert designed to be performed in natural settings. All the texts read, sung and slammed evoke and pay tribute to the forest. - Time : 8pm (foodtruck from 7pm) - Duration : 1h15 min - By the Orchestre National des Forêts - Free, no booking required
Journées Européennes de l'Archéologie au Musée du Pays Châtillonnais - Trésor de Vix - 2024
- From 14 to 16 june 2024
- 14 Rue de la Libération, Musée du Pays Châtillonnais - Trésor de Vix
- For the European Archaeology Days on 14,15 and 16 June 2024, find out more about archaeology at the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais - Trésor de Vix in Châtillon-sur-Seine. - During these three days, take advantage of free admission to the museum and discover the new temporary exhibition "Archéocapsule : l'archéologie des sexes" (Archaeocapsule : the archaeology of the sexes) on loan from INRAP (Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives), which looks at gender issues in archaeology. - On Friday 14 June 2024, at 7pm, plunge into the heart of the 2019 Vix excavations with a talk by Emilie Millet and Bastien Dubuis on "The princely tomb of Vix : new excavations, a new perspective". The two archaeologists will present the discoveries made during the first excavations carried out in 1953 when the treasure was discovered. - On Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June, from 10am to 5.30pm, get into the shoes of an archaeologist with an excavation tank and a presentation of the different specialities of archaeology. - Free visits and events on these days, subject to prior booking. - Open to all. - Conference on 14 June at 7pm. - Link to the official website for the European Archaeology Days : https://journees-archeologie.eu/c-2024/accueil
Fête Foraine 2024
- From 15 to 26 june 2024
- Esplanade du Cours l'ABBÉ, Rue de la Libération
- A funfair is a family outing par excellence. From children to teenagers and parents, there's something for everyone ! - Whether in Burgundy or the rest of France, the funfair is the place to be with family and friends. - They're often there for the atmosphere. Indeed, a funfair is a place to celebrate, a place to have fun and marvel at the rides that glitter and sparkle in the night.
Rallye de la Franche Touche
- On 29 june 2024
- Châtillon sur Seine, Cours l'Abbé
- Second edition of the Franche Touche Rally ! See you on 29 June 2024, at Châtillon sur Seine, 40 crew places available, more info on the website : https://lafranchetouche.com - Whether you're a car enthusiast, a music fan or just want to spend some quality time together, come along to the Franche Touche village, open all day, to have a good time and enjoy the exhibition of exceptional vehicles, professional exhibitors, numerous artists and a 100% local refreshment bar. - We already have a number of partners following us : @welovebourgogne, @dijonautoracing, @francebleubourgogne, and many others…
Exposition Temporaire "Voyage" par Emmanuel Michel
- From 1 july to 31 august 2024
- 14 Rue de la Libération
- From 1 July to 31 August, get away from it all with the new temporary exhibition "Voyage" at the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais - Trésor de Vix. - A travelling artist and member of the Society of French Explorers, Emmanuel Michel has travelled the five continents, accompanied by his sketchbooks, in which he captures the everyday life of the people he meets. He chooses his destinations because of his interest in a people or a culture, and immortalises them with talent on the pages of his notebook. - Back in his studio in the south of France, he draws from his travels paintings, drawings, sculptures and engravings that emanate the emotions, scents and sensations of the place. In this way, he brings to life characters that are more alive than life itself. The artist also draws inspiration from local materials for his sculptures, which are made from bronze, clay or recycled metal. - A richly emotional exhibition that will take you on a journey to the four corners of the earth. - Link to the artist's website : https://www.emmanuelmichel.com
