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Auxerre
Auxerre is on the Yonne River, in the Yonne department of the Burgundy region.
Historically, the town owes its position to its important placement on the river, and also on the once important trade route between the Mediterranean and the North Sea.
Auxerre is a very pretty town, towered over by the cathedral, and by several churches.
The gothic style Cathedral St Etienne - not quite finished yet, but what's the rush! - has some of the best known stained glass windows in France, and a fascinating crypt where you can see remains of the earlier cathedral on the same site. The Abbey of St Germain at Auxerre is also interesting, above all for the frescoes it contains, and a well known crypt.
But Auxerre is much more than just crypts and churches - the town itself has a great deal to offer as you explore.
Much of the old centre of the town is now a region of protected development. There are lots of attractive squares where you can take a rest in a cafe, joined by narrow medieval streets and a myriad of attractive ancient houses.
Don't miss the old town gateway in the heart of the Old Town - the 15th century Clock Tower - where the ochre and gold coloured sundial and moondial can still be seen.
Then walk a little way along the river (the 'marine quarter' of the town) and onto the bridge for a good view back to Auxerre (a crucial photo opportunity!).
There are also a couple of museums in Auxerre - the museum Leblanc-Duvernoy features tapestries and furniture, while the museum Saint-Germain has mostly exhibits of archaeological artefacts and some paintings.
Auxerre: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Places to visit - Auxerre
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Auxerre.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Auxerre are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
Tourist Classifications for Auxerre
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Auxerre when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
