Montbard: Culture and Waterways
Accommodation in Montbard
Montbard brings together waterways, the history of science and medieval architecture. The Canal de Bourgogne and the Brenne run through the town; the Musée Buffon, Parc Buffon and Tour de l’Aubespin represent different cultural and historical themes.
Waterways in Montbard
The Canal de Bourgogne runs through Montbard. The Brenne also flows through the town; it is a tributary of the Armançon. Montbard is therefore associated with two distinct waterways. For cyclists, the distinction is useful: the route described follows the Canal de Bourgogne, while the Brenne is identified as a tributary of the Armançon.
Parc Buffon and the History of Science
Parc Buffon is a seven-hectare public park. It extends along fourteen terraces and was listed as a Historic Monument in 1947. Its area and terracing provide two concrete points of reference: its size and the layout of the grounds. Its monument status adds a historical dimension to this description of the park.
The Musée Buffon offers a journey through the history of science, focusing on George-Louis Leclerc de Buffon and Louis Jean-Marie Daubenton, two naturalists born in Montbard in the 18th century. Exhibitions, guided tours, workshops and conferences present the heritage in a variety of formats. The scientific focus can therefore be explored not only through the two individuals, but also through different forms of interpretation.
Tour de l’Aubespin and Medieval Heritage
The Tour de l’Aubespin dates from the 14th century and is one of the most visible remains of Montbard’s former medieval fortress. The tower is 46 metres high and contains four vaulted rooms, as well as an upper terrace with a remarkable panorama of Montbard and the Brenne Valley. The Canal de Bourgogne runs through the valley. If you plan to visit the Tour, check the access conditions in advance; they may vary.
Cycling, the Foire and Getting There
The Ancy-le-Franc–Montbard section of the cycling route along the Canal de Bourgogne follows the towpath as a voie verte. Check route information before setting out, as surface and access conditions may change. The Office de tourisme du Montbardois rents VTCs, child seats and VAE near the SNCF railway station and the Canal de Bourgogne. Check availability and rental conditions before your trip.
The Foire RĂ©gionale de Montbard brings together crafts, regional products, gastronomy and leisure activities. The specific line-up may vary from one edition to the next. If you are travelling for the Foire, check the date and programme for the relevant edition before making plans around it.
The TGV journey from Paris to Montbard takes one hour, and the TER journey from Dijon takes 30 minutes. Journey times may vary depending on the service, so check the timetable for your travel date. The two figures refer to different starting points and types of train and should be treated as separate points of reference.
Discover more destinations: Ruffey-lès-Beaune, Bellenod-Sur-Seine, Saint-Marc-Sur-Seine, Volnay, Ménétreux-Le-Pitois, Villars-Et-Villenotte, Chaudenay-Le-Château, Thury.
For the wider travel overview: Cote-Dor.
