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.

Back then, the city was surrounded by fortifications designed to defend the city from attack and control the flow of goods. While traces of human settlement date back to the Bronze Age, it was under Roman rule, when it was known as Autessiodurum, that Auxerre became a thriving and trade-oriented city. Protective walls were essential, and they were massive and thick, complete with large towers for monitoring the surrounding area.

The northeast corner tower is especially well-preserved, giving us a glimpse into what the city looked like 18 centuries ago! During Roman times, there were no windows or slate roofs like you see today, those were added much later.

Now, continue along Rue de la Marine and head toward Place Saint-Nicolas.