Travel Guide Mont-Saint-Jean

From the top of its promontory, Mont-Saint-Jean bears the envied title of Gateway to the Auxois. In the 10th century, this medieval village boasted a castle recognized as one of the most important in Burgundy. Its fortifications included 2 low courtyards, one of which had a dozen towers! The keep, still standing proudly today, is a reminder of the importance of the ancient fortress. The moats, now laid out as promenades, allow you to explore the ramparts. Stroll through the medieval streets and discover the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, with its choir and bell tower (listed as Historic Monuments), and its 12th-century crypt, built to house the relics of Saint Pelagie, brought back from the 7th Crusade. Look up! Some houses date back to the 13th century, and many facades feature niches and sculptures. The Porte Saint-Christophe was built to keep lepers out. Place de la Halle features an ancient calvary, a well and period dovecotes. The Association des amis de Mont-Saint-Jean has set up a permanent exhibition of rural artefacts in the basement of the town hall. It also organizes guided tours of the village and a flea market, one of the biggest in Côte-d'Or, every year on August 15. 2 km from Mont-Saint-Jean, in the direction of Croix-Thomas, lies the Grange-du-Mont, the remains of a large 14th-century farm.