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.

It features a large hall used for assemblies and official receptions. At that time, the count’s castle stood next door, which has since vanished. The construction of the city hall strengthened the power of the city assembly and served as a venue for preserving archives, holding weddings, and hosting cultural events. It still houses the city’s administrative offices today, adding to the square’s beauty. To your left is the Passage couvert Manifacier, a listed historic monument.

This commercial gallery, built in the 19th century during the Second Empire, dates back to when Auxerre was booming in trade and commerce. Completed in 1869 by architect Grégoire Roux, the passage is named after two local merchants, Adolphe and Victor Manifacier, who ran a mirror shop here. While the shops are no longer there, you can still walk through and admire its beautifully preserved façade. Feel free to take a slight turn left and explore the passage.

If you’d prefer to continue with the tour, head towards the imposing tower visible from here. As you walk, you’ll see a statue on your right, representing Marie Noël, the famous poet from Auxerre. It was created by local sculptor François Brochet in her honour. If you’re not familiar with her, don’t worry, you’ll learn more about her later in the tour when you pass by her former home.