Auxerre: geography, origins and key data
Auxerre Photo par canadastock/Shutterstock
Auxerre is the prefecture of the Yonne department. Crossed by the river of the same name, it has a population of nearly 35,000. Its origins date back to Gallo-Roman times, when the town bore the name Autissiodorum. The city then developed in the Middle Ages around its bishopric and river trade.
History of Auxerre through the ages
L'hôtel d'eville in Auxerre / Photo depositphotos
Auxerre was an important Gallo-Roman center before becoming a bishopric from the IIIᵉ century onwards. The town prospered in the Middle Ages thanks to trade and its wine-making activities, but also suffered the conflicts of the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion. Attached to the royal domain under Louis XI, Auxerre continued to grow until the XIXᵉ century. Today, its restored heritage makes it a cultural landmark of the first rank.
What to see in Auxerre: monuments and religious heritage
Saint-Etienne Cathedral
Cathédrale d'Auxerre Photo by Henryk Sadura/Shutterstock
The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne is a Gothic masterpiece built between the XIIIᵉ and XVIᵉ centuries. It houses a Carolingian crypt adorned with frescoes, remarkable stained-glass windows and a 400-room treasure trove. The cathedral dominates the city and remains its landmark.
Saint-Germain Abbey
Abbaye Saint Germain d'Auxerre Photo by Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock
The Abaye Saint-Germain is famous for its Carolingian crypts, among the oldest in France. Its Gothic cloister and art and history museum trace the town's development.
Timber-framed houses and Clock Tower
The Clock Tower in Auxerre and its two hands, one for solar time, the other for lunar time / Image by 18986 de Pixabay
The old town center retains many half-timbered houses. The Tour de l'Horloge, built in 1485, features two hands - solar and lunar - an architectural rarity.
Other noteworthy churches
Also worth seeing: the church of Saint-Pierre en Vallée, with its VIᵉ century origins, and the church of Saint-Eusèbe, which blends Romanesque and Gothic art.
Parks, gardens and the banks of the Yonne
For relaxation, Auxerre offers the Parc Roscoff, the Jacques-Lacarrière library Arboretum, the Parc de l'Arbre-Sec, as well as the quais de l'Yonne. Nature invites itself into the heart of the city and lends a unique charm to the walks.
Cadet Roussel: an Auxerre icon
Auxerre is the town of the famous Cadet Roussel, made famous by the revolutionary song of 1792. Today, a themed tour invites visitors to discover the town in his footsteps, combining humor and local history.
Gastronomy and specialities of Auxerre
impossible not to taste a Burgundy wine in Auxerre / Photo shutterstock
It's impossible to visit Auxerre without savoring Burgundian cuisine: jambon persillé, gougères, escargots, oeufs en meurette, bœuf bourguignon. Burgundy wines are the perfect accompaniment to these specialties. Auxerre is also a gateway to neighboring vineyards.
Guided tours and cultural tourism
The Tourist Office offers guided tours, themed tours (Cadet Roussel, Cadet'Chou for children) and audio guides. These tours let you delve into Auxerre's history and enjoy local anecdotes.
Houses in Auxerre Photo by andre quinou/Shutterstock
Excursions around Auxerre
The Guédelon medieval construction site
Guédelon construction site Photo by Rrrainbow/Shutterstock
Just 45 minutes from Auxerre, the Guédelon construction site is rebuilding a fortified castle using medieval techniques. An original, immersive visit.
Château d'Ancy-le-Franc
The beautiful castle of Ancy le Franc / Image by jp de Pixabay
An Italian-inspired Renaissance masterpiece, the château d'Ancy-le-Franc is renowned for its frescoes and richly decorated apartments.
Tips for making the most of Auxerre
Plan your visit: start with the cathedral and abbey, wander the medieval lanes and timber-framed houses, then treat yourself to a stroll along the banks of the Yonne. For a two-day stay, add Guédelon or Ancy-le-Franc. Wear good shoes and take advantage of local markets to sample Burgundy produce.
The Yonne flows through Auxerre and gives it a lot of character The Yonne flows through Auxerre Photo by BearFotos/Shutterstock
FAQ about visiting Auxerre
How many days does it take to visit Auxerre?
One day is enough for the main monuments. Two days are enough to explore the surrounding area.
Is Auxerre well worth a visit on foot?
Yes, the center is compact and pleasant to walk around.
What to do in Auxerre when it rains?
Museums, crypts, churches and historic cafés are perfect for a sheltered visit.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, the Tourist Office organizes guided tours, theme trails and family events.
Can you make excursions from Auxerre?
Yes, in particular the medieval site of Guédelon and the château of Ancy-le-Franc.
When is the best time to visit Auxerre?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant light and mild temperatures, ideal for exploring the city.
Link and infos Geo
By car :
Auxerre is located in the department of Yonne in the region Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. It is located 170 kms from Paris (A6 2H00) and 1H35 from Dijon (A6).
By train :
It takes 1H43 by train. There are 10 trains per day to Paris.
The websites
We apologize for any translation errors. Our translator really likes Burgundy wines too much. This is outrageous
