Autun

One of the most richly endowed villes d'art in Burgundy, Autun is a great draw for fans of both Gallo-Roman and Romanesque art. The name derives from Augustodonum—city of Augustus—and it was Augustus Caesar who called Autun "the sister and rival of Rome itself." You can still see traces of the Roman occupation, dating to an era when this place was much larger and more important than it is now, in its well-preserved archways (Porte St-André and Porte d'Arroux) and Théâtre Romain (once the largest theatre in Gaul). Parts of the Roman walls surrounding the town also remain. In addition to ancient ruins, Autun is home to a magnificent medieval cathedral and one of the region’s best museums—Musée Rolin.