Village de Châteauneuf

On a rocky spur dominating the rich agricultural plain stands the imposing medieval fortress, guardian of the southern marches of the Auxois. Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, classified as one of the "most beautiful villages in France", is a prosperous and flowery little town with beautiful stone houses decorated with pediments and stair towers dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The church of Saint-Jacques and Saint-Philippe, dating from the 16th century, is home to some beautiful statues, including a Saint John the Baptist attributed to Claus Sluter. In 2007, the C.A.U.E. de Côte-d'Or organised 3 "Local Colours" days to promote a return to local colours for the painting of facades and woodwork, by encouraging the use of natural local pigments such as ochre.