The village of Chablis is in the Yonne department of the northern Burgundy region, 15 kilometres south of Pontigny.
Explore Chablis
France This Way review: you will most likely visit Chablis to sample the famous wines of the region, but although it is small the village also deserves an exploration - it is a pretty place with some attractive medieval houses, some with ornate door and window openings, and a few other buildings of interest to discover.
You can enter the centre of Chablis through the Porte Noel, the gateway that originally controlled access to the medieval village - although it is really now two round towers rather than a doorway!
Among the highlights in Chablis are the churches of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Martin - you will notice the horseshoes left on the Saint-Martin church door by pilgrims in the olden-days. The Collegiale Church of Saint-Martin dates from the 13th century (except the belltower added in the 19th century) and is in the roman style.
Another notable building is behind the Church of Saint-Martin. Called the 'obédiencerie' it is a substantial house dating from the 15th century and in the typical Burgundy style of the period.
The synagogue on Rue des Juifs dates from the same period and is a classified historic monument, and another historic monument of interest in Chablis is a substantial traditional wine press for the village.
There is a pretty stretch of the village along the Serein River, including an attractive fortified building called the "Tour Mirau d'aval" (because it was downstream - in French en aval - of the bridge that originally defended the eastern side of Chablis).
You can cross the bridge and turn left to walk a little way to reach the Parc de la Liberté, then cross the bridge in the parc to reach the other half of the parc (the promenade du Patis), from where you can turn left and head back into Chablis village centre.
After you have explored Chablis you will of course be in the perfect place to enjoy a glass or two of the renowned local wine - wine has been produced in Chablis since the year 854 when monks first settled here, and is now recognised worldwide as one of the best light white wines.
There are ample opportunities to buy the wine in the town.
Attractions nearby
Note: be sure to walk or drive around the local area to see the vines - the vineyards extend around a few adjacent hamlets as well as Chablis itself: Chablis tourist office can suggest several trails to follow.
There are several pretty villages in the region - we recommend in particular that you visit Noyers about 20 kilometres to the south-east of Chablis - and a walk through the historic centre of Auxerre is also very enjoyable.
You can find more travel ideas in the Yonne guide and the Burgundy guide.
Photos of Chablis
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Hotels in Chablis
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Map of Chablis and places nearby
Visit near Chablis with France This Way reviews
Pontigny
The abbey at Pontigny is one of the best known and substantial Cistercian abbeys in France
Pontigny guide
Tonnerre
There are two impressive sites to see in Tonnerre: the medieval hospital complex, and the water source called the Fosse Dionne
Tonnerre guide
Auxerre
With its cathedral and churches, and extensive historic centre with half-timbered houses and an imposing belltower Auxerre is a very interesting town to visit
Auxerre guide
Noyers-sur-Serein
The half-timbered houses and riverside setting make Noyers-sur-Serein one of our favourite small towns in this region
Noyers-sur-Serein guide
Chateau de Tanlay
The frescoes and interior decoration are among the highlights of a visit to the moated Tanlay castle
Chateau de Tanlay guide
Chateau d'Ancy-le-Franc
The 15th century castle at Ancy-le-Franc was one of the very first renaissance style castles to be built in France
Chateau d'Ancy-le-Franc guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Yonne
Address: Chablis, Auxerre, Burgundy, 89800, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.815, longitude 3.7975
Plan your visit to Chablis, Yonne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Abbaye de Pontigny (Pontigny): religious monument (12 km)
- Auxerre: secteur sauvegarde (17 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martial (Seignelay): religious monument (18 km)
- Noyers-sur-Serein: most beautiful village (20 km)
- Asquins église St Jacques (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (37 km)
- Jardin du prieuré: remarkable garden (38 km)
- Vézelay basilica St Madeleine (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (39 km)
- Vezelay: heritage site (39 km)
- Jardin du moulin de Athie: remarkable garden (44 km)
- Joigny: recommended detour (44 km)
- Clamecy: secteur sauvegarde (45 km)
- Abbaye de Fontenay (Montbard): religious monument (46 km)
Market days in Chablis, France
Regular market(s) are held in Chablis each Sunday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Chablis (Francais)