The town of Joigny is between Auxerre and Sens in the Yonne department of the Burgundy region, in a picturesque setting on the banks of the Yonne River.
Joigny is a very pleasant town to pass a morning exploring, with several notable historical monuments. The part of Joigny that includes the old town and the river bank is now designated a zone of protected development to ensure it retains its important heritage and appeal.
Explore Joigny
You can park in one of the car parks along the northern side of the river and start your visit on the old stone bridge in Joigny. The tourist office and the historical centre are at the northern end of this bridge and to the south of the bridge you can explore the bustling shopping street called Avenue Gambetta.
The most notable individual sights in Joigny are perhaps the ancient houses on the hill above the Yonne River, several of which include some interesting medieval carvings included in their half-timbered facades.
Among others you can see the Maison de Bois on Place Saint-Jean by the entrance to the castle, then follow the Rue Montant au Palais and the Place du Pilori to see the 'House of the Tree of Jessé and the 'House of Seven Heads'.
There are several churches and chapels to explore in Joigny. The church of Saint-Jean and its interior decoration is the most notable, with its vaulted ceiling, statues and carvings, and decorative tombs. The other important church in the town centre is the gothic style Church of Saint-Thibault, built in the 16th century.
There are some very fine townhouses from the 16th-17th centuries in the centre of Joigny, some with interesting decorative and carved facades typical of the renaissance period.
The most impressive is the renaissance style Chateau des Gondi on the Rue Dominique Grenet south of the Church of Saint Jean - this is the house that, with the church, dominates the view of Joigny from the bridge.
The medieval ramparts of the town that once protected Joigny are still standing in places, and include one of the original arched stone doorways through the early castle walls, at the Porte Saint-Jean. There is another imposing gateway to the north of the town called the Porte du Bois.
Photos by Locaboat holidays are copyright.
Attractions nearby
Joigny is a good base to explore both the Yonne River and the two canals that meet in the town - barge and boat trips are available from Locaboat in Joigny (and very picturesque).
We followed a driving route in the countryside around the town suggested by the Joigny tourist office that includes the roman church at Laroche Saint-Cydroine, the impressive frescoes in the church at La Ferté-Loupiere, the 'Art Brut' collection of La Fabuloserie at Dicy and the extensive collection of the Museum of Popular Arts at Laduz.
All aspects of the tour are highly recommended and the drive makes a very pleasant day out from Joigny.
You can find more travel ideas in the Yonne guide and the Burgundy guide.
Arrange a visit to Joigny
Hotels in Joigny
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Map of Joigny and places nearby
Visit near Joigny with France This Way reviews
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
Pontigny
The abbey at Pontigny is one of the best known and substantial Cistercian abbeys in France
Pontigny guide
Sens
Sens is an important regional centre dominated by the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, the first gothic style cathedral built in France
Sens guide
Chablis
Best known for the very famous wines of the same name, Chablis is also a pleasant village to explore with plenty of opportunities for wine-tasting
Chablis 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
Guedelon
At the remarkable site of Guedelon an entire medieval castle is being reconstructed using traditional techniques
Guedelon guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Yonne
Tourist classifications for Joigny
Joigny has received the following tourist classifications: recommended detour town (plus beau detour); historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé); listed town of Art and History
Address: Joigny, Auxerre, Burgundy, 89300, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.9831, longitude 3.3975
Plan your visit to Joigny, Yonne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eglise de Saint Martial (Seignelay): religious monument (18 km)
- Auxerre: secteur sauvegarde (25 km)
- Abbaye de Pontigny (Pontigny): religious monument (25 km)
- Sens: ville fleurie 4* (26 km)
- Jardins du manoir du Grand Courtoiseau: remarkable garden (31 km)
- Parc du château de Thorigny: remarkable garden (34 km)
- Montargis: recommended detour (49 km)
- Arboretum national des Barres: remarkable garden (50 km)
- Potager du jardin du château de La Bussière: remarkable garden (53 km)
- Noyers-sur-Serein: most beautiful village (55 km)
- Moret-sur-Loing: recommended detour (61 km)
- Jardin du château de Barberey-Saint-Sulpice: remarkable garden (61 km)
Market days in Joigny, France
Regular market(s) are held in Joigny each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Joigny (Francais)