Avallon Travel Guide

Discover all the best places to visit, things to do, and tips for a perfect trip to Avallon, France, with this comprehensive travel guide.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Avallon

Located in the heart of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Avallon is a charming medieval town that is steeped in history, tradition, and culture. This picturesque town boasts stunning architecture, breathtaking natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it an ideal destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts alike. If you’re planning a trip to Avallon, this comprehensive travel guide will help you discover all the best places to visit, things to do, and tips for a perfect trip.

Introduction to Avallon

Founded in the 5th century, Avallon is a well-preserved treasure trove of French culture and history. Nestled atop a hill overlooking the Cousin River valley, Avallon boasts stunning views and a rich architectural heritage showcased by its perfectly preserved ramparts, medieval houses, and Gothic churches. Walking through the old city’s winding streets, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, admiring ancient timbered buildings, magnificent churches, and quaint squares that portray the true essence of the medieval lifestyle.

List of Places to Visit in Avallon

There’s no shortage of fascinating places to visit and experience in Avallon, whether you’re interested in history, architecture, nature, or art. Here’s a list of our top recommendations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Maison Vauban: This mansion was the birthplace of Vauban, a distinguished military architect and engineer who served under Louis XIV.

  • The Avallon Museum of Art and History: Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Avallon from prehistoric times to today, with impressive collections that include paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts.

  • The Romanesque Church of Saint-Lazare: This beautiful church boasts stunning Romanesque style architecture and is renowned for its elaborate sculptures and intricate frescoes.

Natural Attractions of Avallon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Avallon Natural Regional Park: Enjoy a scenic hike or bike ride in the breathtakingly beautiful natural park, surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and pristine rivers.

  • Vézelay Hill: Located just a few miles from Avallon, Vézelay Hill offers some of the most spectacular views in the region, with an impressive Basilica, excellent restaurants, and extensive vineyards.

  • The Thear Canal: Admire the scenic beauty of Avallon and its surrounding areas on a peaceful boat ride along the tranquil Thear Canal.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Avallon

Avallon is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, and what better way to explore it than on a hike or a bike ride? Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes around Avallon:

  • The GR 13: This stunning hiking trail takes you through Avallon’s famous forests, showcasing the region’s most beautiful landscapes, including lush pastures, ancient forests, and idyllic rivers.

  • The Burgundy Canal: Bike along the canal and witness Avallon’s scenic beauty, as you make your way through rolling hills, lush green landscapes, and charming villages.

  • The Coulon Valley: Enjoy a hike through the Coulon Valley, which boasts some of the most breathtaking panoramas in the area, including tumbling waterfalls and stunning vistas.

Best Things to Do in Avallon: Activities and Tours

There’s plenty to see and do in Avallon, from cultural tours to outdoor adventures. Here are our top recommendations for the best things to do in Avallon:

  • Wine Tasting Tour: Experience the delicious flavors of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté wine on a guided wine-tasting tour, where you’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s most renowned wines.

  • Gastronomic Tour: Take a culinary tour of Avallon and sample some of the region’s most delectable traditional dishes, from snails and sausages to creamy cheeses and rich wines.

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a magical journey above Avallon and its surrounding areas, as you witness the stunning landscapes from a new perspective.

Week-Long Itinerary for Avallon

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Avallon, here’s a suggested itinerary that will ensure you see all the best sights and experience the rich culture, history, and beauty of this charming town:

Day 1-2: Explore Avallon’s rich history and culture by visiting the Maison Vauban, the Avallon Museum of Art and History, and the Romanesque Church of Saint-Lazare. Day 3-4: Discover Avallon’s scenic beauty with a hike or bike ride along the Coulon Valley, or the Burgundy Canal. Day 5-6: Take a guided tour of the region’s famous vineyards or partake in a gastronomic tour to sample some of the region’s most delicious cuisine. Day 7: Enjoy a hot air balloon ride above Avallon and its stunning surroundings, discovering the town’s beauty from a new and unique perspective.

Food and Drink Scene of Avallon

Avallon’s food and drink scene is renowned for its rich flavors and traditional French cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Escargots: These are a local delicacy, typically served with garlic butter and baguette.
  • Bœuf Bourguignon: This hearty beef stew is made with Burgundy wine.
  • Coq au Vin: Chicken cooked in red wine, this dish is a French classic and is very popular in Avallon.

Local Beverages

  • Burgundy Wine: Sample the region’s most renowned wine, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Aligoté.
  • Crème de Cassis: This sweet, blackcurrant liqueur is the perfect aperitif or digestif.
  • Café liégeois: A traditional dessert coffee made with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and strong coffee.

Where to Stay in Avallon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Avallon offers a range of accommodation options, including charming guesthouses and hotels. Here are some of our top recommendations:

  • Mouton Blanc: This is a historic 16th-century building which has since been converted into a charming boutique hotel offering luxurious accommodation and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Au Terminus: This charming guesthouse is located in the heart of Avallon’s old town, offering authentic medieval-style accommodation in a breathtaking setting.

  • Citotel Avallon Vauban: This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a bar, and a restaurant, located on the outskirts of the town with easy access to surrounding areas.

What to Buy in Avallon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Avallon, there are plenty of local products to bring back home as souvenirs. Here are a few ideas:

  • Burgundy Wine: A bottle of Burgundy wine is the perfect souvenir to bring home and enjoy years after your trip.
  • Maille mustard: Established in 1747 and named after its founder Antoine Maille, this brand offers of a wide variety of mustards flavoured with honey, black truffle, and beer among others.
  • A Côte d’or Chocolate Bar: A gift from the world-renowned chocolate city Dijon, Avallon and Côte d’or’s chocolate is sure to be a hit with chocolate lovers.

Local Culture and Customs of Avallon

While visiting Avallon, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and customs, which remain deeply ingrained in daily life. Here are a few customs and traditions to note:

  • Bonjour: Say “bonjour” when entering a store or greeting someone to show your respect.
  • La bisous: In France, it is customary to greet someone, usually women, with a kiss on each cheek. However, this tradition is slowly dying out due to COVID-19.
  • Mealtimes: Lunch and dinner are essential parts of French culture, where meals can last for hours on end. Be sure to enjoy every course and use cutlery in the correct way.

Best Time to Visit Avallon

The best time to visit Avallon is during the summer months between June and September when temperatures are warm and several local festivals take place. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are also worth considering, as the weather is milder, and tourist crowds are lesser.

Do’s and Don’ts of Avallon

Here are some Dos and Don’ts to consider when visiting Avallon:

Do:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting places of worship and public places.
  • Enjoy long meals in local restaurants and savour the delightful French cuisine.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions, such as greeting people and eating with cutlery.

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave a meal unfinished as it may be perceived as a sign of disrespect
  • Don’t speak with your mouth full
  • Don’t be too loud in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Avallon

Avallon is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors must take precautions, such as follows:

  • Keep your valuables close and luggage safe and secure to avoid pickpocketing or theft.
  • Use a reputable taxi service when travelling late at night when walking is not an option.

Health in Avallon

Visitors to Avallon should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, and it is always advisable to purchase travel insurance before visiting a foreign country. Visitors with specific medical needs must carry their medications with them and, if necessary, take out travel insurance ahead of time.

Getting to Avallon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Avallon is well-connected by public transportation, with several modes of transportation available:

Airports Near Avallon

  • Paris Orly Airport- Approximately 190 km from Avallon
  • Charles de Gaulle Airport - Approximately 210 km from Avallon.

Bus Stations Near Avallon

  • Gare Routiere d’Avallon - The bus station in Avallon offers coach services to several destinations in the region.

Other Options

  • Car Hire - Hiring a car is a great option for those who want to explore the surrounding areas at their pace and convenience.

How to Get Around in Avallon

Avallon is a compact town that is best explored on foot. However, there are several options to get around:

  • Bikes- Visitors can rent bikes from the various bike rental companies in Avallon to explore the surrounding countryside and hills.
  • Taxis- Visitors can use reputable companies like Uber or hail a taxi to explore the surrounding areas.
  • Bus Services- The local bus service is available for those who want to explore the surrounding areas, offering hourly connections.

Where to Go Next from Avallon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’ve explored all that Avallon has to offer, there are several nearby destinations and excursions worth exploring:

  • Dijon- With a rich cultural history and exceptional cuisine, Dijon offers a unique French experience.

  • Auxerre - This beautiful town is known for its lovely Gothic cathedral and medieval architecture.

  • Vézelay Hill - Just 15 km from Avallon, Vézelay is one of Burgundy’s famous hilltop towns, boasting panoramic views and the base of a UNESCO-listed Abbey.

Conclusion

Avallon is a charming and picturesque town offering visitors a unique experience of medieval France that is rich in history, culture and natural beauty. From stunning architecture to scenic natural beauty, there is always something to explore, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for a French experience that goes beyond Paris.

Avallon old center Avallon old center Statue of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban Statue of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban