Auxerre Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, top things to do, local culture and customs, food and drink scene, and transportation options in Auxerre, France.
- Introduction to Auxerre
- List of Places to Visit in Auxerre
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Auxerre
- Canal de Bourgogne
- GR13
- Véloroute du Canal du Nivernais
- Best Things to Do in Auxerre: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Auxerre
- Food and Drink Scene of Auxerre
- Where to Stay in Auxerre: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Best Luxury Hotels in Auxerre
- Best Mid-Range Hotels in Auxerre
- Best Budget Hotels in Auxerre
- What to Buy in Auxerre: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Chablis Wine
- Mustard
- Local Culture and Customs of Auxerre
- Wine Culture
- Religious Festivals
- Best Time to Visit Auxerre
- Do’s and Don’ts of Auxerre
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Auxerre: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Auxerre
- Where to Go Next from Auxerre: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Vézelay
- Château de Guédelon
- Conclusion
Introduction to Auxerre
Located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France, Auxerre is a charming medieval town that boasts beautiful architecture, rich history, and scenic views. It is situated on the banks of the Yonne River and is surrounded by vineyards and forests.
Auxerre is a popular tourist destination known for its exceptional wine, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a rich cultural heritage. It has plenty of things to offer to visitors of all kinds, whether you are a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or a nature lover.
In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore the best places to visit, activities to do, local culture, and customs, as well as transportation options to and from Auxerre.
List of Places to Visit in Auxerre
Ancient churches, picturesque gardens, and historic museums all await you in Auxerre. Here are the top places to visit that should be on your itinerary:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Abbaye Saint-Germain d’Auxerre
The Abbaye Saint-Germain d’Auxerre is a former Benedictine monastery that was founded in the 5th century. It is home to the Museum of Antiquities, which showcases a collection of Gallo-Roman artifacts and sculptures.
Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d’Auxerre
The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d’Auxerre is a stunning Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 13th century. It boasts intricate stained-glass windows, ornate carvings, and a beautiful organ.
Musée Leblanc-Duvernoy
The Musée Leblanc-Duvernoy is a private museum that features a collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and antique objects. It is housed in a beautiful mansion that dates back to the 17th century.
Natural Attractions of Auxerre: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Parc des Chaumes
The Parc des Chaumes is a beautiful public park that offers scenic views of the Yonne River and the surrounding countryside. It is a great place for picnics, hiking, and cycling.
Canal du Nivernais
The Canal du Nivernais is a 174 km long canal that runs through Burgundy. It was built in the 18th century and is now used for pleasure boating and fishing. It offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and forests.
Chablis vineyards
Chablis vineyards are located in the north of Auxerre and is one of the most famous wine regions in France. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards, sample different wines, and learn about the winemaking process.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Auxerre
Auxerre is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers several hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the top routes to explore:
Canal de Bourgogne
The Canal de Bourgogne is a 242 km canal that runs from Burgundy to Champagne. It offers scenic views, beautiful locks, and towpaths for cycling and hiking.
GR13
The GR13 is a long-distance hiking trail that passes through Auxerre and offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and forests. It is a moderately challenging trail and takes around 8 hours to complete.
Véloroute du Canal du Nivernais
The Véloroute du Canal du Nivernais is a 180 km long cycle path that follows the canal and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It is a great option for cycling enthusiasts of all levels.
Best Things to Do in Auxerre: Activities and Tours
From wine tasting to exploring ancient cathedrals, there is no shortage of things to do in Auxerre. Here are our top picks:
Wine Tasting Tour
Take a tour of the Chablis vineyards and sample some of the best wines in France. Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy the scenic views of the countryside.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Experience the beauty of Auxerre from above by taking a hot air balloon ride. The views are breathtaking, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Boat Tour of Yonne River
Take a boat tour of the Yonne River and see the town from a different perspective. The tour offers stunning views of the historic buildings and bridges.
Week-Long Itinerary for Auxerre
To make the most of your trip to Auxerre, we recommend the following itinerary:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Abbaye Saint-Germain d’Auxerre and Musée Leblanc-Duvernoy |
| 2 | Take a wine tasting tour of the Chablis vineyards |
| 3 | Explore the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d’Auxerre |
| 4 | Take a hot air balloon ride |
| 5 | Hike or bike along the Véloroute du Canal du Nivernais |
| 6 | Visit Parc des Chaumes and take a boat tour of the Yonne River |
| 7 | Take a day trip to the nearby town of Vézelay |
Food and Drink Scene of Auxerre
Auxerre is known for its exceptional wine, Michelin-starred restaurants, and traditional French cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
Escargots à la Bourguignonne
Escargots à la Bourguignonne is a traditional Burgundian dish that consists of snails cooked in garlic butter and parsley.
Boeuf Bourguignon
Boeuf Bourguignon is a hearty beef stew that is slow-cooked with red wine, vegetables, and herbs.
Local Beverages
Chablis wine
Chablis wine is a dry white wine that is made in the Chablis vineyards of Burgundy. It is known for its crisp and acidic taste and is best paired with seafood and cheese.
Where to Stay in Auxerre: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Auxerre has a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets and needs. Here are our top picks:
Best Luxury Hotels in Auxerre
Hôtel Mercure Auxerre
Hôtel Mercure Auxerre is a modern hotel located in the city center and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.
Le Maxime
Le Maxime is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Auxerre and boasts stylish rooms, a restaurant, and a wine bar.
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Auxerre
Hôtel des Trois Marquets
Hôtel des Trois Marquets is a charming hotel located in the pedestrian zone of Auxerre’s historic district and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
Best Budget Hotels in Auxerre
Les Pensées Douces
Les Pensées Douces is a budget-friendly hotel located in the city center and offers basic accommodations with a private bathroom.
What to Buy in Auxerre: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Auxerre has plenty of boutique shops and markets that offer local products and souvenirs. Here are some of the top things to buy:
Chablis Wine
Bring home a bottle of Chablis wine from one of the local vineyards as a souvenir. It makes an excellent gift for wine enthusiasts.
Mustard
Dijon Mustard is a famous product of the Burgundy region and is available for purchase in most local shops and markets.
Local Culture and Customs of Auxerre
Auxerre has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, art, and cuisine. Here are some of the local customs and traditions:
Wine Culture
Auxerre is known for its exceptional wine, and winemaking is a significant part of the local culture. Wine fairs and festivals are held throughout the year, and wine tastings are a popular activity for visitors.
Religious Festivals
Auxerre is home to many churches and cathedrals, and religious festivals are an essential part of the local culture. The Feast of Saint-German, which takes place in October, is a popular celebration in Auxerre.
Best Time to Visit Auxerre
The best time to visit Auxerre is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also the peak tourist season, and the town can get crowded.
Do’s and Don’ts of Auxerre
To make your trip to Auxerre a success, here are some essential do’s and don’ts:
Do:
- Try the local wine and traditional dishes.
- Explore the historic cathedrals and museums.
- Take a boat tour of the Yonne River.
Don’t:
- Drink and drive or cycle.
- Touch or climb on historic monuments.
- Leave your valuables unattended in public places.
Safety and Health
Safety in Auxerre
Auxerre is a safe town, and the crime rate is low. However, it is best to take precautions against pickpockets and petty thieves, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Health in Auxerre
Auxerre has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical care to both locals and visitors. It is also important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation.
Getting to Auxerre: Transportation Options and Logistics
Auxerre is easy to reach from Paris and other major French cities. Here are the transportation options and logistics:
Airports Near Auxerre
The nearest airports to Auxerre are the Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) and the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). From there, you can take a train or drive to Auxerre.
Bus Stations Near Auxerre
Auxerre has a central bus station that offers bus services to many nearby towns and cities, including Paris, Dijon, and Lyon.
Other Options
You can also reach Auxerre by car or train. The town is located on the A6 motorway, and the nearest train station is Auxerre-St-Gervais.
How to Get Around in Auxerre
Auxerre is a small town that is easy to explore on foot or by bike. Taxis and buses are also available for those who prefer not to walk.
Where to Go Next from Auxerre: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Auxerre is an excellent base for exploring the Burgundy region and beyond. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:
Vézelay
Vézelay is a historic medieval town that boasts a stunning basilica and charming cobblestone streets. It is located just 30 minutes away from Auxerre.
Château de Guédelon
The Château de Guédelon is a unique project in which a medieval castle is being constructed using only traditional methods. It is located about an hour’s drive from Auxerre.
Conclusion
Auxerre is a beautiful medieval town that offers plenty of things to see and do. From exploring historic cathedrals to hiking in the surrounding countryside, there is something for everyone in Auxerre. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this hidden gem of France.
