Auxerre
Auxerre is on the Yonne River, in the Yonne department of the Burgundy region.
Historically, the town owes its position to its important position on the river, and also on the once important trade route between the Mediterranean and the North Sea.
Auxerre is a pretty town, towered over by the cathedral, and by several churches, although it must be said that Auxerre does also have some less attractive parts that have not yet been renovated or 'beautified'.
The part of the town of interest to visitors occupies the hill that runs up from the west bank of the river, and includes the major churches and the historical old town..
Churches and cathedral
The best way to get a perspective of the churches in Auxerre is by walking onto the main bridge across the river (the Pont Paul Bert) for a very good view of the Auxerre 'skyline' (and the place where many photographs of Auxerre are taken).
From here you can see three main churches - running south to north these are the Church of Saint Peter, the Saint Etienne Cathedral, and the Saint Germain Abbey.
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.
The Central Old Town
Much of the old centre of the town is now a region of protected development. There are attractive squares where you can take a rest in a cafe, joined by narrow medieval streets and a myriad of attractive ancient houses - the part of the town around the town hall and the clock tower are the most interesting in this respect.
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 be seen.
The rest of the old town should also be explored, especially in the section of town between the Town Hall and the Saint Etienne Cathedral, where you will discover various other interesting buildings.
Other things to see and do in Auxerre
Before exploring ask for the map at Auxerre Tourist Office - they have a paid version which suggests a route to be followed and an 'under the counter' free version which also shows the highlights. The main Tourist Office is next to the river, although a smaller one can also be found near the clocktower.
You should also walk a little way along the river (the 'marine quarter' of the town), for views across the town and to see the many boats that stop here.
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.
See more pictures of Auxerre
Visit Auxerre (Burgundy, Yonne) travel, gites and hotels
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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)
Places to visit near Auxerre, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Auxerre.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
25 km: Chablis (Burgundy town) 20 km: Pontigny (Town)
See also Auxerre (version Francais)
