Situated on the banks of the River Yonne, Auxerre has been an important centre since Roman times when it was known as Autissiodorum on the Via Agrippa. It became the seat of a Bishop, getting its own Cathedral soon after and by the early Middle Ages was defended by a set of ramparts.

Auxerre suffered during the Hundred Years’ War but became part of France in the peace that followed during the reign of Louis XI, gradually becoming more prosperous as it developed. Nowadays a very pleasant town with broad boulevards, plenty of interest for the visitor and at the centre of a vineyard area where the famous Chablis wine is produced.

Pont Paul Bert and River Yonne

What to See:

St Stephen’s Cathedral. The present structure built between the 13th and 16th centuries in the Gothic style replaced an earlier structure which was burned down in 1023. The West Front, is built in the Flamboyant Style and framed by two towers is a ‘must see’ as is the 7m Rose Window.