What are the most beautiful villages to visit in the Yonne?

France’s beauty is not limited to its metropolitan cities. It also extends to its picturesque villages, nestled in some of the country’s quietest and most peaceful spots. One of the departments that is home to some of these hidden gems is Yonne, located in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region. With its lush green landscapes, prestigious vineyards and rich historical heritage, the Yonne is a paradise for nature and culture lovers. So, without further ado, let’s set off to discover the most beautiful villages in the Yonne.

1. Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure

Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an astonishing village with a rich historical heritage and picturesque charm. Situated on a hill, it offers breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Vézelay’s main attraction is the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a masterpiece of Romanesque art that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.

As well as the basilica, the village has many perfectly preserved medieval houses, cobbled streets and ramparts that tell the fascinating story of this place. Vézelay is also famous for its wine, produced in the surrounding vineyards, which contributes to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the village.

2. Chablis, a symphony of vineyards and heritage

Chablis is another Yonne village well worth a visit. Known the world over for its world-renowned white wine, Chablis is a destination of choice for wine lovers. The village is surrounded by vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see, offering breathtaking scenery. Wine tasting is of course a must in Chablis, whether in the village cellars or directly in the vineyards.

As well as its wine, Chablis has a rich historical heritage. The village is dotted with charming half-timbered houses, old churches and majestic châteaux, testimony to its glorious past. Among the main sites to visit are the church of Saint-Martin, a jewel of Gothic art, and Château Long-Depaquit, a magnificent château surrounded by vineyards.

3. Noyers-sur-Serein, a medieval village by the water

Nestling in a meander of the Serein and surrounded by ramparts and towers, Noyers is listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. In the centre, you’ll discover cobbled streets, small squares, a 15th-century church, a beautiful town hall and magnificent Burgundian houses. Everything here is beautiful. The Place de la Petite-Etape-aux-Vins, the Place du Marché-au-Blé and the Place du Grenier-à-Sel are must-sees for those wishing to discover its medieval past. Noyers is also an artists’ village, with numerous galleries, workshops and boutiques. You can also make the most of the surrounding countryside, with walks along the Serein, fishing, canoeing and visits to cherry orchards.

4. Montréal, a feudal village overlooking the Serein valley

Montréal is a village in the north of the département, overlooking the Serein valley. It has retained its feudal appearance, with its castle, church, ramparts and old houses. You can visit the castle, which dates back to the 12th century and was once the seat of a powerful seigneury. You’ll discover its keep, chapel, guard room and underground passageways. You can also admire the 13th-century church of Notre-Dame, with its magnificent sculpted portal, or the 11th-century priory of Saint-Philibert, which houses a museum of sacred art. You can also take a stroll through the village, which has retained its medieval charm, with its cobbled streets, vaulted passageways, half-timbered houses and carved doorways.

5. Irancy, a wine-growing village in the heart of the Yonne

Irancy is a village in the centre of the département, part of the Irancy appellation, a fruity, spicy red wine. The village is surrounded by vineyards, which add a special charm to the landscape. You can visit the Domaine de la Bongran, which produces a renowned wine, and taste its different vintages. You can also admire the village’s architectural heritage, including the 12th-century church of Saint-Germain, with its beautiful murals, and the 19th-century wash-house, which bears witness to daily life in the past. You can also take advantage of the natural surroundings by following the hiking trails through the countryside and vineyards.

6. Châtel-Censoir, a magical village

Châtel-Censoir is a village in the north of the département, bordered by the Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne. It has a magical atmosphere, with its stone houses, bridges, locks and flowers. You can visit the 12th-century church of Saint-Potentien, with its octagonal bell tower and Romanesque portal, or the 15th-century château de Faulin, which dominates the village. You can also take advantage of the Canal du Nivernais, one of the most beautiful canals in France. You can stroll along its banks, go cycling, boating or kayaking, or even picnic on its banks.

7. Cravant, a village with a commercial past

Cravant is a village in the centre of the département, which was an important trading centre in the Middle Ages. It has preserved vestiges of its history, such as the 15th-century halles (covered market) used to house merchants, the 13th-century bridge over the Yonne and the 14th-century ramparts that protect the village. You can also discover the village’s architectural heritage, including the 12th-century church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, with its square bell tower and sculpted portal, the 12th-century chapel of Saint-Lazare, which houses an art and history museum, and the 19th-century wash-house, which bears witness to daily life in the past.

8. Saint-Père, on the road to Santiago de Compostela

Saint-Père is a village in the south of the département, on the route to Santiago de Compostela. It is famous for its 12th-century Saint-Père-sous-Vézelay church, a masterpiece of Romanesque art. You can admire its sculpted portal, depicting the Last Judgement, its octagonal bell tower, which dominates the village, and its apse, which is adorned with historiated capitals. You can also visit the Musée de l’Œuvre Viollet-le-Duc, which presents the restoration work carried out on the church by the architect in the 19th century. You can also make the most of the surrounding countryside by taking a stroll along the Trinquelin stream, canoeing on the River Cure or visiting the caves at Arcy-sur-Cure, home to cave paintings.

9. Mailly-le-Château, a village perched high above the Yonne valley

Mailly-le-Château is a village in the north of the département, perched on a cliff overlooking the Yonne valley. It offers breathtaking views over the landscape and the Nivernais Canal. You can visit the château, which dates back to the 14th century and was the residence of the de Mailly family, one of the oldest and most illustrious in France. You’ll see its keep, chapel, guard room and gardens. You can also discover the village’s architectural heritage, including the 12th-century church of Saint-Adrien, with its square bell tower and Romanesque portal, the 15th-century Maison du Bailli, which houses an art and history museum, and the 19th-century wash-house, which bears witness to daily life in the past. You can also take advantage of the Canal du Nivernais, one of the most beautiful canals in France. You can stroll along its banks, go cycling, boating or kayaking, or even have a picnic on its banks.

10. Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, a wine-growing village in the heart of the Yonne

Saint-Bris-le-Vineux is a village in the centre of the département, part of the Saint-Bris appellation, a dry, aromatic white wine. The village is surrounded by vineyards, which add a special charm to the landscape. You can visit the Domaine de la Bongran, which produces a renowned wine, and taste its different vintages. You can also admire the village’s architectural heritage, including the 12th-century church of Saint-Prix, with its beautiful murals, and the 16th-century Château de Saint-Bris, home to the Coligny family, one of the most influential figures in the Protestant Reformation. You can also take advantage of the natural surroundings by following the hiking trails through the countryside and vineyards.

11. Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, Colette’s birthplace

Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, in the north-west of the département, is the birthplace of Colette, one of the greatest French writers of the 20th century. You can visit the house where she was born, which has been converted into a museum, and which traces her life and work. Here you can learn about her childhood, her literary beginnings, her loves, her travels, her commitments and her cats. You can also discover the village’s architectural heritage, including the 12th-century church of Saint-Sauveur, with its square bell tower and Romanesque portal, the 15th-century château of Saint-Sauveur, which houses a cultural centre, and the 19th-century wash-house, which bears witness to daily life in the past. You can also make the most of the surrounding countryside by taking a walk in the Puisaye forest, cycling, horse-riding or canoeing, or visiting the Puisaye ponds for fishing and relaxation.

12. Saint-Fargeau, an impressive château

Saint-Fargeau is a village in the north-west of the département, famous for its château, which is one of the most beautiful in Burgundy. You can visit the château, which dates back to the 15th century and has been home to a number of historical figures, including Anne de Beaujeu, the daughter of Louis XI, and La Grande Mademoiselle, the cousin of Louis XIV. Here you can discover its architecture, furniture, tapestries, paintings and gardens. You can also enjoy historical shows that retrace the history of the château and of France, with costumes, horses, fireworks and special effects. You can also discover the village’s architectural heritage, including the 12th-century church of Saint-Ferréol, with its square bell tower and Romanesque portal, the 17th-century chapel of Sainte-Anne, which houses a museum of religious art, and the 19th-century wash-house, which bears witness to daily life in the past.

13. Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, a rich cultural heritage

Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines is a village in the north of the département with a rich cultural heritage. You can visit the castle, which dates back to the 12th century and was the residence of the Counts of Nevers. You’ll see its keep, chapel, guard room and gardens. You can also admire the 12th-century church of Saint-Romain, with its square bell tower and Romanesque portal, or the 15th-century chapel of Saint-Sébastien, which houses a 17th-century altarpiece. You can also take advantage of the village’s distinctive fountains. There are around twenty of them, gushing forth from natural springs with medicinal properties. You can bathe in the Pré fountain, which is the largest, or take a stroll in the fountain park, a place for relaxation and leisure.

14. Mézilles, the village with many fords

Mézilles is a village in the north-west of the département, crossed by the Ouanne, a river that forms numerous fords. These fords are places where you can cross the river on foot or by car, without a bridge or boat. They are very popular with locals and visitors alike, who like to cool off, swim, fish or walk along the water. You can visit the village, which has retained its rural charm, with its stone houses, fountains, church and chapel. You can also discover the craft heritage of the village, which is famous for its pottery, decorated with floral or geometric motifs. You can visit a pottery workshop, a pottery museum or a pottery market, and buy original, refined objects.

15. Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, an impressive lock structure

Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses is a village in the north-west of the département, famous for its lock system, one of the oldest in France. These are seven staircase locks that used to span a 24-metre difference in height on the Briare Canal, which links the Loire and Seine rivers. Built in the 17th century, under the reign of Henri IV, they were used until the 19th century, when they were replaced by a single lock. You can visit the seven locks, which are listed as historic monuments and bear witness to the ingenuity and skill of the builders of the time. You can also enjoy the Briare Canal, one of the most beautiful canals in France. You can stroll along its banks, go cycling, boating or kayaking, or even have a picnic on its banks.

16. Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, a town of charm and character

Villeneuve-sur-Yonne is a town in the north of the département, founded in the 12th century by King Louis VII. It has retained its charm and character, with its ramparts, gates, towers and timber-framed houses. You can visit the town, which has been listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Detours in France”. You’ll discover its heritage, including the 13th-century church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, with its octagonal bell tower and sculpted portal; the 14th-century bridge over the Yonne, with its fine views over the town; and the 16th-century Colette house, once home to the writer Colette. You can also enjoy the cultural life of the town, which offers shows, concerts and festivals throughout the year.

In conclusion, the Yonne is a destination of choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities and discover the beauty and richness of rural France. Each village in the Yonne has its own charm and story to tell, making for a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re a wine-lover, history buff, nature lover or simply looking for some peace and quiet, you’re sure to find something to suit you in the most beautiful villages of the Yonne.