--- title: "Basilique Saint-Andoche, Saulieu: The Romanesque Capitals" description: "A 12th-century Romanesque church with nearly sixty carved capitals of biblical scenes and animals. Allow 45 minutes, about an hour from Beaune by driver." url: https://www.cote-privee.com/things-to-do/basilique-saint-andoche-saulieu lang: en updated: 2026-09-30 generated: 2026-10-08 image: https://www.cote-privee.com/og/things-to-do/basilique-saint-andoche-saulieu.png --- # Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu (Basilique Saint-Andoche) > Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu: a Romanesque church on the old Paris to Lyon road, famous for its carved capitals. Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu is in Saulieu (Côte-d'Or), 57 min by road (70 km) from Beaune. Allow 45 minutes · Private driver from Beaune: €200 one way for the whole car, up to 4 guests. The Basilique Saint-Andoche stands in the centre of Saulieu, on the edge of the Morvan. Built in the 12th century over the tomb of three early Christian martyrs, it is one of the fine Romanesque churches of Burgundy. Nearly sixty carved capitals line its nave, with biblical scenes, animals and plants. ## Key facts - Type: Abbeys & churches - Where: Saulieu · Côte-d'Or - Location: 55 km north-west of Beaune · Côte-d'Or - Coordinates: 47.2795, 4.2300 - 57 min from Beaune - Allow 45 minutes - Saulieu - Official website: [saulieu.fr](https://saulieu.fr/basilique-saint-andoche/) - From Beaune: ≈ 57 min · 70 km - €200 one way from Beaune with a [private driver](https://www.cote-privee.com/private-driver) ## Getting there - [Private driver from Beaune](https://www.cote-privee.com/private-driver): 57 min by road (70 km), €200 one way for the whole car. Coming by train or plane? [Transfers from stations and airports](https://www.cote-privee.com/transfers) Estimates per vehicle for up to 4 guests, tolls included. Your price is confirmed when you book. ## History Tradition says that Andoche, Thyrsus and Felix were martyred at Saulieu around 177, and a place of pilgrimage grew up over their relics. Stephen of Baugé, bishop of Autun and abbot of Saulieu from 1112, rebuilt the church as a simplified version of the great abbey of Cluny. In 1119 Pope Callixtus II moved the relics of the three martyrs from the crypt to the high altar. The church celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2019. During the Hundred Years' War, English troops besieged Saulieu in 1359 and set the church on fire. The roofs burned, the bells melted and the whole eastern end was destroyed, leaving only the three naves standing. The choir was later rebuilt, and in 1760 the left tower of the façade was remade and crowned with a lead dome. The church was among the first listed historic monuments, in 1840. ## What you will see Inside, a pointed barrel vault covers the nave, flanked by two aisles. Look closely at the capitals. You will find Balaam and his donkey stopped by an angel, the Flight into Egypt, the Temptation of Christ and the hanging of Judas, alongside lions, eagles and a cock fight. The choir keeps carved stalls from the late 14th century. A digital gallery explains the building, and the organ has an automaton. ## Planning your visit Allow about 45 minutes, and bring a small torch or use your phone to study the capitals. Saulieu is about an hour from Beaune, so pair the basilica with the Musée François Pompon next door and lunch in town. Guided tours can be arranged by appointment. The church is closed to visitors on Mondays, and on Sundays too from November to March. Please check the official website for opening times. ## Did you know? The marble sarcophagus of Saint Andoche shown in the church is a reconstruction. The Merovingian original was sold to a marble cutter from Dijon in the early 19th century. ## Around Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu What to combine with Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu on the same day, nearest first. ### Châteaux - [Château de Missery](https://www.cote-privee.com/chateaux/chateau-de-missery) (11 km away): An 18th-century château set on a moated medieval platform, framed by its old round towers. - [Château de La Roche-en-Brenil](https://www.cote-privee.com/chateaux/chateau-de-la-roche-en-brenil) (12 km away): A moated château on the edge of the Morvan, saved from demolition by the writer Charles de Montalembert. - [Château de Mont-Saint-Jean](https://www.cote-privee.com/chateaux/chateau-de-mont-saint-jean) (13 km away): A hilltop medieval stronghold with a keep and ramparts, above a village of old stone houses. ### Things to do - [François Pompon Museum (Musée François Pompon)](https://www.cote-privee.com/things-to-do/musee-francois-pompon), 1 km away: Sleek animal sculptures by the Saulieu-born artist who made the famous White Bear. - [Museum of the Resistance in the Morvan (Musée de la Résistance en Morvan)](https://www.cote-privee.com/things-to-do/musee-de-la-resistance-en-morvan), 10 km away: The story of the Morvan maquis, told in the heart of the forests where they fought. - [Morvan Regional Nature Park (Parc naturel régional du Morvan)](https://www.cote-privee.com/things-to-do/parc-naturel-regional-du-morvan), 10 km away: Burgundy's little mountain of granite, forests and lakes, with its park headquarters at Saint-Brisson. ### Restaurants - [La Côte d’Or (Relais Bernard Loiseau)](https://www.cote-privee.com/restaurants/la-cote-d-or-saulieu), 1 km away · 2 MICHELIN stars: Bernard Loiseau's house in Saulieu: two stars and a century of Burgundian grand cuisine ## Questions about Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu ### How far is Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu from Beaune? Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu is about 57 min from Beaune by road (70 km). With a private driver, the trip from Beaune starts at €200 for the whole car, up to 4 guests. ### How long does a visit to Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu take? For the visit, allow 45 minutes. ### When is Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu open? Opening days and times change during the year, so check the official website (saulieu.fr) before you go. Your driver can plan the day around them. ### Can a private driver take us to Basilica of Saint-Andoche, Saulieu? Yes. Your driver collects you in Beaune or at your hotel in an electric Polestar 2 (up to 4 guests), waits while you visit and plans the rest of the day with you. The driver speaks English, French, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic. → [Private driver from Beaune](https://www.cote-privee.com/private-driver) ## Book - [Book a driver here](https://www.cote-privee.com/book?service=driver&place=sight:andoche): €200 one way from Beaune · up to 4 guests ## Sources - - --- Canonical page: