Towns

Exploring the towns of Auxerre, Sens and Joigny

Auxerre

Those looking for heritage sites, the historic centre of Auxerre is classified and the town bears the "Ville d’Art et d’histoire" (Town of Art and History) label. On your exploration of this town, you can expect to see the magnificent half-timbered houses, churches and other remarkable buildings. The river Yonne also flows through Auxerre, and the riverbanks are perfect places to relax and try water sports.

Joigny

Joigny is surrounded by the Côte Saint-Jacques vineyard and is a town full of gourmet delights. Don't miss a tasting of the great wines and some delicious dishes at the restaurant bearing the same name. This establishment is run by chef with two Michelin stars, Jean-Michel Lorain. You can expect some exquisite cuisine! The art-de-vivre of Joigny can also be experienced in the superb historic centre and on a walk alongside the river Yonne.

Sens

Sens is another urban treasure of the Yonne. Gothic-style cathedral (the 1st of many in France!), medieval houses, manors, you're likely to get a stiff neck from admiring all these superb places. If your legs need a break from all the walking, go and relax at the Parc du Moulin à Tan: a remarkable garden with animals, arboretum, greenhouses and even two rivers.

Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
Façades en bois à Joigny Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
Bateau sur l'Yonne à joigny Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
Pierre_Pichon-
Les bords de l'Yonne à Sens Pierre_Pichon-
Did you know?

Cadet Roussel was originally from Auxerre!

The star of the famous French nursery rhyme did actually exist: Claude Roussel was a bailiff in Auxerre in the 17th century. The song lyrics mock this excentric, lively character in a friendly way.
Who would have thought that his reputation would go beyond the borders of the town. It was thanks to the locals of Auxerre who would happily sing this song and then it quickly made its way all over France thanks to the army recruits.

A video of the must-sees of the Yonne!

Vines

Exploring the Chablis vineyards

Venture into the Chablis vineyards, to meet the passionate winegrowers and taste this white wine that is probably the most famous in the world. What makes Chablis wine so special? Its mineral taste, flinty notes as the wine connoisseurs would say. Where does this taste come from? The clay-limestone soil full of... tiny fossil residue!

Chablis and the vineyard

Countryside

Exploring the countryside in the Puisaye

Welcome to the Puisaye, a small, somewhat secret, yet fabulous place. Behind this largely unknown name is an authentic little part of Burgundy.

  • Just picture a beautiful manor house, superbly decorated and which still bears the mark of its former writer resident, the famous Colette.
  • You can also imagine a medieval castle still being built, without the use of cranes or diggers. A stroke of genius that began 20 years ago! The tradespeople in Guédelon are working hard to create this historic monument, using 13th-century techniques.
  • There are also some castles that are very much completed such as Ratilly or Saint-Fargeau with a history spanning several centuries.
  • Add to all that the ancient professions such as pottery and stonemasonry, hiking trails through a protected natural environment, markets such as Toucy where you can take in the scents and colours at your own pace.

Let's go and explore the Puisaye

En résumé
A propos
Façades en bois à Joigny Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
Bateau sur l'Yonne à joigny Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
Les bords de l'Yonne à Sens Pierre_Pichon-