Located in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, the Yonne department offers a perfect balance between preserved nature, historical heritage and gastronomic delights. Nestled in the north of the region, the Yonne is easily accessible from Paris, just 1 hour by car or train.
The various territories to explore
Auxerre: Culture and heritage in the heart of Yonne
In the heart of Auxerre stands the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that overlooks the city. Its imposing silhouette and exceptional stained glass windows captivate visitors, offering a unique spiritual and artistic experience. Saint-Germain Abbey, built at the beginning of the 15th century, has within it the Saint-Germain museum, presenting the necropolis of the bishops of Auxerre (like Héribert, founder and bishop of Auxerre, brother of Hugues Capet) and the XNUMX centuries of the city's history.
In the city center, stroll through the cobbled streets and let yourself be transported by the history carried by the half-timbered houses like Place Saint-Nicolas, Place de l'hôtel de ville, or even at the Clock Tower. At his feet, theTourist Office will give you lots of advice and opinions.
South of Auxerre, go on a discovery tour of the vineyards and around the tasting of Auxerrois wines: Irancy, Coulanges-la-Vineuse, Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, without forgetting the cellars of Bailly-Lapierre, where Crémant de Bourgogne is produced.
Sens: A historic town north of the Yonne
In the heart of Sens stands the St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art that amazes visitors and garners their rave reviews. Built in the 1234th century, it houses architectural treasures, such as its colorful stained glass windows and its sculpted portal, testifying to the expertise of the artisans of the time. It was there that Saint Louis married Marguerite de Provence in XNUMX.
Near Sens, discover the medieval Villeneuve-sur-Yonne and Saint-Julien-du-Sault, and further down, Joigny, its churches, its Château du Fey and its vineyards of the Côte Saint-Jacques where the estates will offer you a tasting.
Vézelay: A sacred site at the gates of Morvan
Vézelay, classified as Unesco World Heritage in France, is a spiritual pearl. Imposing sound Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene and its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside make it a must-see destination. With its million visitors and pilgrims, the monument, built in the 12th century in a Romanesque and Gothic style, overlooks the Morvan.
All opinions agree that its majesty is all the more impressive at the summer solstice: in fact, while the sun's rays pass through the cruciform openings, it is then a true way of the cross of light which takes shape in the nave up to the choir. Renovated by Viollet-le-Duc in the 1840th century, the basilica is classified as a historic monument. It is even part of the very first list of historical monuments from XNUMX and is an essential stopover on the road to Santiago de Compostela.
Around Vézelay, make a excursion to Avallon its church and its organs, its Clock Tower, its garden terraces, its cobbled streets, symbols of a medieval past. Push in the Morvan, green pearl of Burgundy-Franche-Comté for hiking, water sports, trail or gravel. To the north, the Cure valley will take you to the rupestrian caves of Arcy-sur-Cure, and beyond, the charming medieval town of Noyers-sur-Serein, with its antique dealers, its artisans, its galleries.
Chablis: Terroir of great wines
Chablis, famous worldwide for its exceptional white wines, attracts connoisseurs with its picturesque vineyards. A tour of the cellars and wineries offers an immersive experience in the art of winemaking. The brand new City of Burgundy climates and wines in Chablis will offer you a unique experience to discover its vineyard. The many estates in the region such as Chablisienne, Domaine Brocard, Domaine Guéguen and many others will open their doors to you for a tasting, in moderation.
This sector, rich in leisure activities, offers each year the Chablis marathon. Walks and hikes in the vineyards, on foot, by (electric) bike or segway, are often given by guides who love their region.
Yonne: land of bikes and boats
With its canals, the Yonne is an ideal department for pleasure boating. The Burgundy Canal to the east and the Nivernais Canal to the south make it one of the most popular French departments for navigation.
The Tour de Bourgogne à vélo follows the towpaths of the canals, crossing the towns of Joigny and Migennes and continuing its route to the east and south. Many travelers take the train in Paris and arrive in these cities to begin their journey. Along your route, you can spend the night at the campsite or in one of the nearby tourist accommodations.
La Puisaye-Forterre: The jewel of the Yonne
Largest territory in Yonne, Puisaye-Forterre is a must during your stay in Burgundy. With its sites like Guedelon , the castle of Saint-Fargeau, his farm, and its museums, the country ofwriter Colette in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, its potters, its Boutissaint park, its monument of the Seven Locks et its Bourdon lake, the largest swimmable lake in the department, it is the ideal vacation spot.
Hiking et outdoor activities, courses and workshops, know-how, art and crafts, cultural heritage. or even events, Puisaye will be a welcome break, whether you are alone, as a couple, with family, friends or in a group.
Yonne Tourism, the department's tourism development agency, will be delighted to share its advice and the gems not to be missed for your trip.
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La Puisaye-Forterre is an ideal place for a moment of sharing. Come and recharge your batteries in the heart of the charm of Burgundy during your stay and don't miss our unmissable activities.
