Best attractions and places to see around Athée, France, are found in a region characterized by its historical and architectural heritage, particularly in the Côte d'Or department. The area features traditional Burgundian architecture and is traversed by the Saône River, offering notable landmarks and natural features. Visitors can explore various popular trails and routes around Athée, providing opportunities to experience the local landscape and cultural sites.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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The Church of Saint Maurice was built between 1834 and 1839 according to plans by the Dijon architect Fénéon-Damotte. It follows the traditions of neoclassical churches built in the first half of the 19th century. A façade bell tower is preceded by a peristyle with a pediment supported by four Doric columns. The church has the unique feature of being built on submerged oak trees, as it is actually located in the old branch of the Saône, which was diverted.
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Not a castle that can be visited but nice to walk or cycle through The building is used for other purposes
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A good place to stay overnight if you can find a free room.
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At lock number 20, the diversion of the Saône River, which connects to Auxonne, ends. The Auxonne Canal and its locks were built between 1839 and 1845. The Auxonne Canal has a water level that guarantees a depth of 1.60 meters, including the shallows. The locks at each end connect it to the river.
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The town offers everything you need for a pleasant break: shops, refreshments at the bars, a safe swimming area at the beach, a charming marina, playgrounds for children, and a lovely view of the Saône.
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Near Athée, you can explore the historic town of Auxonne, known as an “Imperial City” with a significant heritage including its church, castle, and arsenal. The Auxonne Castle itself is a 15th-century fortified structure that once controlled a crossing point on the Saône River. Additionally, the village of Athée in Côte d'Or features the picturesque 16th-century Château d'Athée and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité Church with elements dating back to the 13th century.
Yes, Pontailler-sur-Saône is a great family-friendly option, offering a safe swimming area at its beach, playgrounds for children, and amenities like shops and bars. The Auxonne Castle is also considered family-friendly, though it's advisable to check opening times before visiting.
The Saône River is a prominent natural feature traversing the commune of Athée, along with associated waterways such as 'noues' and 'biefs.' You can observe the Diversion into the Saône river, where the Auxonne Canal connects, ensuring consistent water levels for navigation. The Poncey diversion also marks a junction between the Saône and its bypass.
Athée and its surroundings offer various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and gravel biking. Popular options include loops around Auxonne, such as the 'Château d'Auxonne — loop' for hiking, or the 'Pontailler-sur-Saône – Auxonne loop' for cycling. The Saône River also provides opportunities for enjoying the waterside.
Yes, there are several hiking trails around Athée. You can explore routes like the 'Château d'Auxonne — loop' or the 'Auxonne – Church loop from Auxonne.' These trails offer a chance to discover the local landscape and historical sites. For more options, refer to the Hiking around Athée guide.
While specific seasonal recommendations for Athée are not detailed, it's worth noting that some areas, like the Poncey diversion, can have very muddy passages in winter. Therefore, for comfortable hiking and cycling, spring, summer, and early autumn would generally be more suitable to avoid muddy conditions and enjoy milder weather.
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical heritage of towns like Auxonne, with its fortress, market square, and ancient streets. Pontailler-sur-Saône is loved for its amenities, safe swimming, and charming marina. The natural beauty of the Saône River and its diversions also draws positive attention from those exploring the area.
Yes, towns like Auxonne and Pontailler-sur-Saône offer various shops, bars, and restaurants where you can take a break and enjoy refreshments. These settlements are well-equipped to cater to visitors.
Absolutely. The region around Athée is suitable for cycling, with routes such as the 'Pontailler-sur-Saône – Auxonne loop from Athée' and longer rides like the 'Canal du Rhône au Rhin – Canal du Rhône au Rhin loop from Auxonne.' You can find more detailed routes in the Cycling around Athée guide.
The Saône River is central to the region's geography and history. It traverses the commune of Athée and is integral to navigation, with features like the Diversion into the Saône river and the Auxonne Canal ensuring consistent water levels. Historically, structures like the Auxonne Castle were built to control crossing points on the river.
The village of Athée in Côte d'Or is characterized by its traditional architecture, featuring typical red-tiled roofs that offer a glimpse into traditional Burgundian life. The Château d'Athée, a 16th-century Renaissance castle, and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité Church, partly constructed from brick, also showcase unique architectural elements.
The Pont de la Reine, or Queen's Bridge, is a historically significant bridge in Athée (Côte d'Or). It was specifically built for the passage of Queen Marie-Thérèse. Legend has it that the King's carriage overturned here during a retreat from advancing Austrians, adding to its historical lore.


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