Ramparts Panorama from Tour Aubespin
Buffon kept the Tour de l'Aubépin standing when he rebuilt Montbard's medieval castle grounds, and it turns out he had excellent taste in viewpoints. Climb the worn stone steps to the top and you get the best 360-degree view over the town, the Brenne valley and the dark smudge of the Morvan hills beyond.
What You See from the Top
To the north, the canal glints between rows of poplars and the slate rooftops of Montbard tumble down the hillside in a very satisfying way. On a clear morning the Morvan plateau is visible on the southwestern horizon, a dark ridge of ancient granite above the softer limestone of the Côte-d'Or.
To the east, the Brenne river winds through water meadows before joining the Armançon, and you can trace the line of the D905 toward Buffon village. It's the kind of view that makes you reach for your camera and then put it down because no photo will do it justice.
Best Times to Visit
Arrive early on a summer morning before the heat builds and you'll find a thin mist sitting in the valley bottom that burns off slowly — genuinely magical. Sunset is equally rewarding, when the limestone buildings glow amber and the canal turns gold.
The tower is accessed through the Buffon garden estate, so you'll need to pay garden entry. Factor in at least an hour to explore the terraces before or after the climb — they're worth it in their own right.
More of Montbard
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Montbard →
