Musee de Bibracte

Tip for an even more exceptional visit.

For a smart visit to Bibracte, the trick is to understand that the site is divided into two parts: the museum (at the foot of the mountain) and the archaeological site (at the summit of Mont Beuvray). Don't make the mistake of staying only at the museum; take the shuttle (or the footpath) up to the Porte du Rebout. There, look for the archaeologists at work (often in summer): they are usually delighted to explain their discoveries live, which makes the stones seem much more alive. The real secret for an immersive experience is to book the Gaulish lunch at the museum's restaurant, Le Chaudron. You'll be served a meal inspired by the ingredients of the period (no potatoes or tomatoes!) in perfectly reproduced earthenware dishes. Finally, for the view, walk to the summit's thatched roof: on a clear day, you can see Mont Blanc in the distance, a panorama that the Aeduan chieftains were already using to survey their territory 2,000 years ago.