Civil Airfield Semur En Auxois (LFGQ)

Semur En Auxois (not to be confused with Saumur St Florent LFOD https://airfield.directory/airfield/LFOD) is a medieval gem in Burgundy, France. A picturesque walled village standing on the top of a rose-tinted granite cliff, overhanging the little river of Armançon. A town, unknown by most pilots, full of charm and atmosphere. It has a 780 metre hard runway with free landing and parking. What is more, this is only 2km from the ramparts and its cobbled streets; making it an easy walk into town (although because it is 'down a hill & up again' in both directions - and the streets are not the best in France - I recomend taking a 'set of wheels' for your luggage). As you leave the airfield, go straight ahead down the hill towards the town. Follow the road for about 1½ km., crossing the river to enter the heart of the town of Semur by the church. By crossing the square there, you will soon find the helpful tourist office http://www.tourisme-semur.fr/ in Place Gaveau (+33 3 80 97 05 96). They have the usual ‘freebies’ and can assist in getting accommodation if needed; although in the summer it is wise to book ahead. They produce (in English) a simple little guide map with 5 different ‘coloured’ walks (ranging from 1 - 3½ hours) of the town and the ramparts. There is a very informative web site for the town. http://www.ville-semur-en-auxois.fr/

Hotels: Three recommended hotels are: In the town itself: the basic The Cymaises ** https://www.hotelcymaises.fr/; nearby, a Logis de France Côte d'Or *** http://www.logishotels.com/en/hotel/hotel-de-la-cote-d-or-120791l= which has an Irish receptionist. The manager’s husband is a commercial pilot so they know all about late cancellations. They will collect pre-booked guests from the airfield. Outside on the ring road: Hostellerie d’Aussous *** https://www.logishotels.com/en/hotel/logis-hostellerie-daussois-2513?partid=1466&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw_ZC2BhAQEiwAXSgCliIJqFtaLAm_vIdKJDLhZRCzruLo-xWtJoMoMo5sIP7SPDISHILKARoCZW4QAvD_BwE has beautiful views over the city and its floodlit walls at night + a swimming pool.

Restaurant: If you enjoy a genuine French Brasserie - getting harder to find even in France - then you will enjoy Le Saint Vernier https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g675640-d1336757-Reviews-Le_Saint_Vernier-Semur_en_Auxois_Cote_d_Or_Bourgogne_Franche_Comte.html in 13 rue Fevret in the Old Town. Full of wonderful local atmosphere and very good value french cooking with a good choice of pichets of french wine. If you want a more traditional restaurant - but still good value - try La Rumeur https://www.larumeur21.fr/restaurant.html

Fuel: There is Avgas for cash only but this, like the field itself, is nearly always deserted – especially mid-week.

Radio: Being an unmanned field one must use the Common Auto-Information Service: 123.5 en français. If you want a short excursion, get a taxi (or hire a car - details from the tourist office) to Flavigny-sur-Ozerain https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=flavigny+sur+ozerain&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=899&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=EmoZVaj5DIHraNLTgZgN&ved=0CCsQ7Ak, some 10 miles to the east. Another tiny picturesque village on top of a rock, isolated by three rivers, this hamlet of 438 people is now preserved by French heritage. You may recognise it since this is the site where the amusing and photogenic film Chocalat https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1TcwLTO2KDBg9OJLy8zJVUjOyE_Oz0ksSQUAbEsImA&q=film+chocolate&rlz=1C9BKJA_enGB785GB785&oq=film+chocolat&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBEC4YgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyBwgBEC4YgAQyBggCEEUYOTIHCAMQLhiABDIHCAQQLhiABDIHCAUQLhiABDIHCAYQABiABDIHCAcQABiABDIHCAgQLhiABDIHCAkQLhiABNIBCDgzMzZqMGo3qAIKsAIB4gMEGAEgXw&hl=en-GB&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8 was made. If you watch the film on DVD before you leave, you are bound to identify some of the places used, not least the local church of St Genest and the site of the Chocolate shop opposite!

Nice small airfield in Franche-Comté, within walking distance (~20 min) of the old town. The walk there is somewhat hilly. The quality of dining in town seems to have declined since my last visit—where there used to be nice restaurants, there are now, in part, fast-food outlets, or the offerings and opening hours are much reduced despite peak season. But the ambience and the possibility of arriving by aircraft make up for it.

Uncontrolled, radio French only. Taxiways partly with tall grass along the edges, parking space somewhat limited. No landing or parking fees. Fuel probably only via the aeroclub—not yet tested.