What are the best campsites for visiting Auxerre?
4-star campsite with a swimming pool near Auxerre
Les Ceriselles **** campsite is situated in Vincelles, on the banks of the Nivernais Canal, in the heart of the Auxerrois vineyards and just 15 km from Auxerre. Set in lush, flower-filled surroundings, it offers spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as rental accommodation. Holidaymakers can enjoy a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, bike hire and a wide range of leisure facilities, all in a friendly atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploring Burgundy. Open from April to September.
A fully equipped motorhome site near the vineyards of Burgundy
Camping de mon Village in Bonnard is a peaceful campsite situated on the banks of the Yonne, in a leafy setting perfect for relaxation, fishing and walks or bike rides. It has 28 shaded pitches and is an ideal base for exploring Auxerre, 16 km away, the Burgundy vineyards and the heritage of the Yonne. Campers enjoy a peaceful environment as well as facilities suitable for motorhomes. Open from May to September. Please note that this campsite is primarily reserved for motorhomes.
To make the most of your holiday in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, you’ll find all the campsites in the Yonne here.
What are the must-see treasures of Auxerre?
Saint-Étienne Cathedral, a jewel of Auxerre’s heritage
Towering over the old town with its majestic silhouette, Saint-Étienne Cathedral is one of Auxerre’s most iconic monuments and an unmissable visit during a stay in this Burgundian city. Listed as a Historic Monument, this remarkable Gothic cathedral impresses at first glance with the elegance of its architecture and the scale of its imposing façade. Upon entering, visitors discover a building bathed in light thanks to its magnificent stained-glass windows, considered among the finest in France, some of which date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. History enthusiasts will also be fascinated by the 11th-century Romanesque crypt, a veritable treasure hidden beneath the cathedral, famous for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval frescoes. Outside, the richly carved portals catch the eye with their intricate details and the richness of the scenes depicted. Combining art, history and spirituality, Saint-Étienne Cathedral offers a captivating immersion in several centuries of heritage and is undoubtedly one of the highlights of a visit to Auxerre.image
Saint-Germain Abbey: 1,600 years of history in the heart of Auxerre
Listed as a Historic Monument, Saint-Germain Abbey is one of Auxerre’s greatest heritage treasures. Founded in the 5th century on the tomb of Saint Germain, the city’s bishop, it played a major role in the religious and intellectual history of Burgundy, particularly during the Carolingian era when it was one of the most influential cultural centres in Europe. Today, a visit offers a journey through more than fifteen centuries of history in an exceptional setting.
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the famous 9th-century Carolingian crypts. Renowned for housing the oldest preserved wall paintings in France, they immerse visitors in a fascinating world where art, spirituality and history intertwine. The tour continues through the abbey’s various spaces, notably the magnificent cloister, a haven of peace ideal for contemplation, as well as the chapter house and the former monastic buildings, which bear witness to the monks’ daily life over the centuries.
As you leave the abbey, be sure to admire the Saint-Jean Tower, a remarkable 12th-century relic whose spectacular stone spire dominates the historic quarter. The site is also home to the Auxerre Museum of Art and History, which offers a fascinating journey from Prehistory to the Middle Ages through archaeological collections, everyday objects, ancient coins and areas dedicated to the history of the abbey. With its monumental heritage, artistic treasures and archaeological discoveries, Saint-Germain Abbey is an essential visit for anyone wishing to understand the history of Auxerre and its region.
The visit is also of real interest to families. Children are often impressed by the mysterious atmosphere of the crypts, the archaeological remains and the stories linked to the monks and pilgrimages. The museum regularly organises themed tours, educational workshops and activities aimed at young visitors, offering a more fun and interactive way to explore history. Thanks to the variety of areas to explore and the many anecdotes dotted along the route, Saint-Germain Abbey offers an accessible and enriching cultural outing for young and old alike.
The Clock Tower, an iconic symbol of the historic centre
Located in the heart of Auxerre’s old town, at the intersection of the historic centre’s main shopping streets, the Clock Tower is one of the city’s most iconic monuments. Built in the 15th century on the foundations of an ancient gate in the medieval walls, it once bore witness to the city’s prosperity and importance. With its elegant architecture blending Gothic and Renaissance influences, it is now an unmissable landmark during a stroll through the historic streets of Auxerre.
What makes the tower so unique is its remarkable astronomical dial, installed in the 15th century and still visible today. A true masterpiece of ancient mechanics, this original dial does more than simply tell the time: it also reveals the cycles of the sun and the moon. Visitors can thus observe a unique system that displays both solar hours and lunar phases, a particularly impressive technical feat for the time. This uniqueness makes the Clock Tower a rare monument in France and a fascinating testament to the craftsmanship of medieval artisans.
Looking up at its ornate roof and its famous dial in vibrant colours, it is easy to see why the Clock Tower has become one of the symbols of Auxerre. Easily accessible during a visit to the old town, it is an unmissable stop for lovers of history, heritage and beautiful architectural discoveries.
Strolling through the streets of Auxerre, between heritage and lifestyle
Exploring Auxerre is best done on foot. As they wander through the cobbled streets of the historic centre, visitors are invited to admire the many half-timbered houses that give the town its charm. Their colourful façades, corbelled walls and architectural details bear witness to Auxerre’s prosperity in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Every street reveals a new scene, offering an authentic and welcoming atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll.
As you continue your stroll, Saint-Pierre Church immediately catches the eye with its imposing façade and two elegant towers that dominate the cityscape. Further on, Saint-Eusèbe Church is also well worth a visit for its architecture blending different eras and for the serenity that reigns within this building steeped in history. These two religious monuments perfectly illustrate the richness of Auxerre’s heritage and harmoniously complement a visit to Saint-Étienne Cathedral.
Art and history enthusiasts can then step inside the Leblanc-Duvernoy Museum. Housed in an elegant townhouse, it features remarkable collections of Auxerre earthenware as well as precious antique tapestries, offering a deeper understanding of the artistic craftsmanship developed in the region over the centuries.
The walk then leads to Place Saint-Nicolas, one of the most pleasant squares in the city centre. Its fountain and terraces make it a popular spot to take a break and soak up Auxerre’s friendly atmosphere. Finally, to round off the tour in style, simply head to the banks of the Yonne and take the footbridge. From here, visitors can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the river, the quays and the city’s main monuments. At dusk, when the historic façades are reflected in the water, the scene is particularly enchanting and offers one of the most beautiful views of Auxerre.
Discover Auxerre in a different way through outdoor activities
Beyond its rich historical heritage, Auxerre can also be explored through a range of outdoor activities that will appeal to the whole family. The developed quays of the Yonne provide an ideal setting for a bike ride. Easily accessible and relatively flat, they allow you to cycle along the river in peace whilst enjoying superb views of the city’s iconic landmarks. This ride offers a chance to admire Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the bustling quays and the lush green landscapes lining the Yonne from a different angle. The cycle routes also link up with the Nivernais Canal, one of Burgundy’s most beautiful routes for cycling enthusiasts.
For an even more unique experience, visitors can board a cruise boat and sail along the Yonne. This excursion allows you to appreciate the city from the river, just as the merchants and boatmen who contributed to Auxerre’s prosperity once did. As the boat glides along, the historic façades, bridges and monuments reveal themselves from a unique perspective, offering magnificent photo opportunities. Cruises are also a particularly popular activity with children, who discover the town in a more playful way whilst enjoying the pleasure of a boat trip. Combining relaxation, nature watching and heritage discovery, this experience adds an original and enjoyable dimension to a visit to Auxerre.image
Auxerre, a gourmet destination in the heart of Burgundy
A stay in Auxerre would not be complete without sampling the specialities that have made the Auxerre region famous for its cuisine. Vineyards have been present in the region since ancient times and have shaped the landscapes surrounding the city for centuries. Just outside Auxerre lie prestigious Burgundy vineyards, whose wines are appreciated far beyond France’s borders. This wine-growing culture, deeply rooted in local history, is celebrated each year during the Saint Vincent Tournante de l’Auxerrois, a convivial festival that honours the winegrowers, their expertise and the region’s various appellations in a warm and festive atmosphere.
The local cuisine also has some wonderful discoveries in store for food lovers. Among the iconic specialities is Chablis andouille, a traditional sausage with a delicate flavour that pairs beautifully with the region’s wines. Visitors can also sample the famous Burgundian gougère, a delicious cheese choux pastry (made with Comté, of course!) often served as an aperitif, whose lightness and aroma appeal to young and old alike. Another must-try on Burgundian tables, snails prepared with parsley butter are a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage and a must-try experience for food lovers.
With its wine-making traditions, local specialities and expertise passed down through the generations, Auxerre offers a true immersion in the Burgundian way of life. A gourmet stop that perfectly complements exploring the heritage and landscapes of the Yonne.