1. Quay of the Yonne River
Welcome to the quays along the Yonne River, which gave its name to this part of Burgundy. Read more
Visit Auxerre
In the Footsteps of Cadet Roussel
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Tour
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3,1 km
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1h15
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21 audios
21 places of interest to discover while visiting Auxerre in one day
Text version
Welcome to Burgundy! As the cultural heart of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, you certainly won’t forget Auxerre and its medieval charm anytime soon. Nestled among the vineyards of the Auxerrois, this city blends rich history with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Stroll in the footsteps of the famous Cadet Roussel, wander along the canal, get lost in the cobbled streets of the old town, and soak in the beauty of the surrounding vineyards, especially the legendary Chablis, just a stone’s throw away. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the town’s heritage is reflected in more than 500 half-timbered houses and impressive façades that tell stories of its colourful past. So why wait? Come and see for yourself what the Yonne region has to offer!
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2. The Marine District
Welcome to the Marine district, once a key part of the city, and today one of its most visited. Read more
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3. Gallo-Roman Remains
Rue de la Marine, located in the heart of the district bearing its name, carries the marks of Auxerre’s long history. To your left stand walls built by the Romans, dating back to the 3rd century. Read more
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4. Place Saint-Nicolas
Place Saint-Nicolas is one of the most charming and picturesque squares in Auxerre, located at the point where the Yonne river quays meet the old town. Read more
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5. Saint-Jean Tower
This tower, built in the 12th century, was added to the Saint-Germain Abbey next door to replace an older tower constructed a century earlier. Read more
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6. Saint-Germain abbey
Behind the tower stands a historic building well worth a closer look. This abbey is one of the must-see landmarks in Auxerre and offers a deep dive into the city’s rich history as the cultural capital of Burgundy. Read more
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7. Prison Tower
You’re now standing before one of the towers that once formed part of the fortified walls around Saint-Germain Abbey. Read more
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8. Séminaire Chapel
Turn around and take a moment to admire the façade in front of you. This belongs to the Chapel of the Seminary. While it's not open to visitors, you can still appreciate its exterior, a stunning example of 18th-century architecture. Read more
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9. Viewpoint of the Cathedral
From here, you get a stunning view of part of the cathedral, especially its impressive tower. Rising 68 meters above Auxerre, this tower is the cathedral’s most distinctive feature. It’s actually the cathedral’s only tower, even though most cathedrals have two. Read more
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10. Saint-Étienne Cathedral
You’re now standing in front of Saint-Étienne Cathedral, which is the tallest building in the city, rising 68 meters. When it was completed, it was also considered one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in France. Read more
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11. Half-timbered Houses
Auxerre is a medieval city that still bears many traces of its history, especially through the half-timbered houses that line its cobbled streets. Read more
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12. Town Hall Square
Welcome to Town Hall Square, one of the city’s most picturesque squares. Surrounded by charming half-timbered houses, you’ll find the Hôtel de Ville, or city hall, ahead of you. Built in the mid-15th century, this building was designed to provide a formal space for local representatives to gather and make decisions. Read more
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13. Clock Tower
Look up and admire the stunning Clock Tower. Once a prison, this tower features a clock that was fitted in the 15th century, and commissioned by King Charles VIII so the people of the city could always know the time Read more
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14. Charles Surugue Square
This is one of the most iconic squares in Auxerre, featuring one of the city’s most well-known figures: Cadet Roussel. Read more
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15. Saint-Eusèbe Church
This church was built on the foundations of a 7th-century monastery and took over 400 years to complete. Read more
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16. The Notable Figures of Auxerre
Auxerre may be famous for the well-known Cadet Roussel, but it’s also home to many other fascinating figures. Read more
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17. Marie Noël’s House
Take a look at the building on your right with a blue door. This is the house where Marie Noël lived. Born in Auxerre, Marie Rouget spent her whole life in this Burgundy city, pouring passion and dedication into her writing. Read more
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18. The Auxerre Theatre
You’re now standing in front of the Auxerre Theater, one of the city’s most iconic cultural venues. Construction began in 1938 on the site of the old Workers’ Exchange. Originally, it was intended to be a gathering place for the working residents. Read more
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19. Saint-Pierre Church
Saint-Pierre Church is one of Auxerre’s must-see landmarks, showcasing a striking blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, visible in its façade and bell tower, resulting from its restoration in the 16th and 17th centuries. Read more
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20. Viewpoint from Paul Bert Bridge
From the Paul Bert Bridge, you’ll enjoy one of the most iconic views of Auxerre. The city's monuments line the banks of the Yonne River, with boats docked along the quays. Read more
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21. Place des Cordeliers
On your right is Place des Cordeliers, one of the city’s largest squares. It’s now home to a large parking lot in the center, but back in the 13th century, it was the site of the Convent of the Cordeliers. Read more
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The Museums
To complete your visit to Auxerre, I highly recommend exploring its various museums, which have earned the city the lovely nickname of the cultural capital of Burgundy. Among them, you’ll find the Saint-Germain Museum, next to the abbey of the same name, which is part of the city’s historical heritage; the Museum of Natural History, showcasing the region’s past and present biodiversity; and the Leblanc-Duvernoy Museum, located in an 18th-century mansion, revealing precious tapestries and a beautiful collection of ceramics that played a major role in France in the study of this art.
Discover the Local Specialties
To taste the culinary specialties of the city and the region, be sure to visit the various markets in Auxerre, which, depending on the day, take place in the Place de l’Arquebuse, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, and throughout the city center on Wednesday mornings. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover
Burgundy truffles, Burgundy snails, Chablis andouillette, gougères, as well as sweet treats like flamusse aux pommes, Duché biscuits, and tartouillat.
The Vineyards
Auxerre is also known for its many vineyards, which encompass a wide variety of different appellations. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Aligoté, and Crémant de Bourgogne are all celebrated in the region. If you’re driving, you can easily visit Chablis and its vineyard, one of the oldest in France, just 25 minutes by car from the center of Auxerre.
Escolives Sainte-Camille Archaeological Site
Outside the city, several sites in the region are worth a visit: the Escolives Sainte-Camille archaeological site takes you back to the Gallo-Roman era, where you’ll discover an ancient city that was located on the Roman road of Agrippa, one of the most important of its time. It is open for visits from April to October, with both self-guided or guided tours available for just a few euros.
Pontigny Abbey
On the other side of Auxerre, about 20 kilometers from the city center, is the Pontigny Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey still standing in the world. Built in the 12th century, it is remarkably well-preserved and still reveals its magnificent architecture, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. It is open for visits, so be sure to check the opening hours on the website.
Joigny
For those wanting to continue exploring the heritage of the region, a visit to Joigny, a Town of Art and History, is highly recommended. Located by the Yonne River, you’ll discover its half-timbered houses and many local artisans and creators situated throughout the streets.
Noyer-sur-Serein
Next, head to Noyers-sur-Serein, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. This former medieval city is a pleasure to explore, with its cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, its historic ramparts, and the remains of its medieval castle.
Ancy-le-Franc Castle
Not far from Noyers-sur-Serein, you’ll come across the Château d’Ancy-le-Franc, a true Renaissance palace that houses the largest collection of Renaissance wall paintings in the world. A true architectural masterpiece, it invites you to step back in time through its period rooms and exceptional gardens. Admission is charged, and you can choose between a self-guided or guided tour.
Tanlay Castle
Also in the same area, take the opportunity to visit Tanlay Castle, a beautiful Renaissance-era residence that was once an important meeting place for the Huguenots. You can explore it through a guided tour, which is available upon reservation. It is closed during the winter season.
Guédelon Castle
If you head the other way from Auxerre, don’t miss the discovery of Guédelon Castle, a real immersion into the Middle Ages. The castle is currently being built using 13th-century methods and tools, and has been under construction for over 25 years. You can observe many craftsmen at work and learn about the construction techniques that were used in the past.
Vézelay
Still less than an hour’s drive from Auxerre, located at the edge of the Morvan Regional Park, you have the opportunity to visit Vézelay, a superb medieval village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. With its exceptional geographic setting and its UNESCO-listed basilica, Vézelay is one of the iconic sites on the Camino de Santiago and has attracted thousands of pilgrims every year for centuries.
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Auxerre is a key town in the Burgundy Franche-Comté region, with a rich historical and architectural heritage. In terms of surface area, Auxerre is not really a very large town. Nevertheless, Read more
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Frequently asked questions
What is the postal code of Auxerre?
The postal code of Auxerre is 89000. The city is located in the Yonne department, where it serves as the administrative center.
What is the city of Auxerre like? Why visit Auxerre? Where can you stroll in Auxerre?
Auxerre is a true haven for architecture enthusiasts. Its medieval city center, with its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, enchants visitors. You’ll discover stunning landmarks such as Saint-Étienne Cathedral and Saint-Germain Abbey. Nestled along the Yonne River, the city also offers lovely walks along the quays or even relaxing river cruises. Auxerre is a lively town as well, notably thanks to AJ Auxerre, the famous football club that draws many passionate fans every weekend.
What is Auxerre known for?
Auxerre is especially known for its rich architectural heritage, including Saint-Étienne Cathedral and its characteristic medieval city center. The town is also famous for AJ Auxerre and its legendary coach Guy Roux, who left a mark on French football history. Additionally, while Burgundy wine—particularly Chablis—is not produced directly in Auxerre, the region’s renowned wine culture adds to its visibility.
Where can you go for a stroll in Auxerre?
For a pleasant stroll, explore the historic center with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and the cathedral. The banks of the Yonne River are perfect for a walk, as are the Nivernais Canal and the Parc de l’Arquebuse, ideal for a nature escape. For panoramic views of the city, head to Mont-Saint-Sulpice. The gardens of Saint-Germain Abbey and the town hall park also offer peaceful green spaces right in the heart of Auxerre.
Where can you go for a walk around Auxerre?
The area around Auxerre is perfect for scenic walks, especially by bike. Explore the famous Chablis vineyards, a gem of Burgundy’s culinary heritage. The Orthe Forest offers several hiking trails in a peaceful setting, calm yet very enjoyable. Finally, the Nivernais Canal is easily accessible and ideal for long walks or bike rides.
How can you visit Auxerre?
Auxerre is a compact city best explored on foot. To discover the surrounding areas or enjoy a longer ride, renting a bike is a great option. It lets you stroll along the quays in the fresh air and even reach the Chablis vineyards by bike.
Where to go out in the evening in Auxerre?
Auxerre is a lively and enjoyable city in the evenings. To party and have a drink with friends, head to Rue Paul Bert or Rue du Pont, where several bars keep the nightlife buzzing. For a calmer, more relaxing setting, the banks of the Yonne River provide a beautiful spot to unwind, with a few bars to enjoy the scenery.
Les autres lieux incontournables à visiter
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