This hilltop stronghold of the ancient Gauls and the adjacent Museum of Celtic Civilisation offer a compelling portrayal of pre-Roman France in the years prior to the arrival Julius Caesar's legions. Crowning beautiful Mont Beuvray, 25km west of Autun, the site boasts expansive views and numerous walking trails, including the GR13, through high-altitude fields and 1 sq km of forest.
Bibracte served as the capital of the Celtic Aedui people during the 1st and 2nd centuries BCE. It was here, in 52 BCE, that Vercingétorix was declared chief of the Gaulish coalition shortly before his defeat by Julius Caesar at Alésia. Caesar himself also resided here before the city decamped to Augustodunum (Autun). Stone remnants include ancient ramparts and several building complexes, all in varying states of excavation.
