Avallon
Avallon is in the Yonne department of Burgundy, to the north of the Morvan Natural Parc region and south-east of Auxerre.
Avallon has been occupied since Roman times, and is an attractive town of cobbled streets, open gardens, and fine balconied townhouses.
The town has a pedestrianised shopping centre and an interesting historical old town, large enough to include plenty of side streets in which you can discover unspoiled ancient buildings.
The 'centre' of the town, reached by the imposing 15th century gateway-clocktower, is the square that includes the 12th century church of St Lazare, with its ornately carved doorways. The church is known as being one of the finest examples of 'roman' style architecture in Burgundy.
Just left of the church is a very substantial and impressive turreted house dating from the 15th century, the 'maison des Sires de Domecy'. The tourist office is in another interesting ancient building.
You will also discover the remains of fortifications in Avallon, including several towers - perhaps 50% of the town's original circle of fortifications are still intact. Even in the centre of the town you suddenly find you are standing on top of the fortifications and looking out across the pretty wooded landscape that surrounds the town.
There are four attractive walkways-park areas to follow:
- the 'promenade de capucins' (a plane-tree lined walkway towards the north of the town);
- the 'Terraux Vauban' (a balustraded walkway in the centre of Avallon);
- a further walkway at 'la promenade de la petite porte', noteworthy for the views it provides over the surrounding Morvan and Burgundy countryside;
- the terraced gardens below the fortifications towards the Cousin River
The more modern part of the town contains cafes, restaurants and all facilities, and buildings in the style of the region - faded shutters, ironwork balconies etc. Overall Avallon is an attractive bustling town and a visit is recommended.
See also photos of Avallon
Visit Avallon (Burgundy, Yonne) travel, gites and hotels
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The Avallon hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Avallon is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Burgundy gites for Avallon holiday rentals Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: Avallon Car HireVisit Avallon Car Hire for cheap car hire optons and available car collection points VisitSee Visit Avallon for places to visit near Avallon including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Avallon in our Burgundy forum Avallon property for saleSee Burgundy property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Avallon
- approved Station Classée (resort paying particular attention to facilities for tourism)
Places to visit near Avallon, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Avallon.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
36 km: Corbigny (town) 15 km: Montreal (attractive village) 25 km: Noyers-sur-Serein (Most beautiful village) 18 km: Vezelay (World Heritage Site)
See also Avallon (version Francais)
