Chablis

Chablis is a small town in the Yonne department, in Burgundy, internationally known for its Chardonnay vineyards, which lend their name to one of France's most celebrated dry white wines. The town lies along the Serein river, which flows through the historic centre past old limestone winegrowers' houses. The surrounding hillsides, including the renowned Grand Cru vineyards such as Les Clos and Vaudésir, dominate the landscape and can easily be explored on foot or by bike from the town centre. The old town retains a medieval character, with narrow lanes, historic façades and the 12th-century Saint-Martin church. Numerous wine merchants and cellars offer tours and tastings, a key activity for discovering local production. The area also lends itself to walks through the vineyards, offering views over the limestone slopes typical of the Chablis terroir. The continental climate, with warm summers and cool winters, directly shapes local viticulture. Chablis makes for a popular stop for wine lovers and those interested in Burgundy's rural heritage, close to other wine-producing areas and historic villages in the Yonne.