The Buffon Park and Museum

The town of Montbard in Côte-d'Or is famous for its superb park, which is a listed historic monument. Developed in the 18th century by the famous naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon, a native of Montbard, it overlooks the town and offers splendid views over the Brenne Valley. Enjoying an exceptional natural and historical setting, it consists of 14 landscaped terraces planted with various species, which visitors can now enter free of charge. The development of the park is closely linked to the history of Montbard Castle. Remains of the old fortress of the Dukes of Burgundy are still dotted about the site, making it a truly remarkable place! You can see the Aubespin Tower and the St. Louis Tower dating from the 14th century, the Church of St. Ursus and the ramparts. From the top of the 46-metre-tall Aubespin Tower, you will enjoy superb views over Montbard's rooftops and the surrounding scenery. The St. Louis Tower once housed the renowned naturalist's summer study, laboratory and library.

At the foot of the park is a museum dedicated to Buffon and his collaborator, Louis Jean-Marie Daubenton, who was the first director of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. Visitors are offered a journey through natural history and the philosophy of the Enlightenment. The museum also has two temporary exhibition rooms on themes relevant to the permanent collections. In addition to being classified as a Historic Monument (Monument Historique), the Buffon Museum is part of the Museums of France (Musées de France) network and has earned the Maison des Illustres heritage quality mark.