Auxerre

Auxerre, the county town of the Yonne department in Burgundy, is built around its old town perched on the banks of the River Yonne, offering some of the finest riverside views in the region. Saint-Étienne Cathedral, with its medieval stained-glass windows, and the Abbey of Saint-Germain, home to some of France's oldest Carolingian frescoes, are the town's principal landmarks. The cobbled streets and quays of the historic centre, lined with half-timbered houses, are ideal for a leisurely stroll, particularly around Place Saint-Nicolas and the clock tower. Auxerre also serves as a gateway to the Chablis vineyards and the surrounding wine region, celebrated for its white wines. The riverbanks are popular for walks and boat trips, with the town being a well-known stop along the Canal du Nivernais and Burgundy's waterways. The climate is temperate continental, with mild summers and cool winters, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Traditional Burgundian cuisine adds further appeal to this charming, human-scale town rich in heritage and culture.