Three spires above the Yonne
From the Paul-Bert bridge or the quays, Auxerre reveals its skyline: the slender spire of Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the former Saint-Germain Abbey with its rare Carolingian crypts, and Saint-Pierre Church. Visiting the Saint-Germain crypt, one of Europe’s oldest, offers a timeless moment. Strolling along the water afterwards, hand in hand, prolongs that journey through time.
The old town and the Clock Tower
The Clock Tower, straddling Rue de l’Horloge, is Auxerre’s pedestrian landmark: its astronomical dial still shows the paths of sun and moon. Around it, Place Charles-Surugue lines up lively terraces and half-timbered houses. The centre’s shops and cafés invite you to take your time. A coffee shared on a terrace, at the foot of the belfry, is a lovely way to open a first conversation.
The slopes of Chablis
Twenty kilometres away, the Chablis vineyards unfold their world-famous wines, including seven grand crus. The villages of Chablis, Préhy and Fleys invite a foodie wander between cellars and chalky landscapes. A tasting for two, followed by a snail breakfast, prints a lasting memory. On Lyad, Yonne members share their favourite winegrowers; it is up to you to find someone to clink glasses with.
Date ideas
- Saint-Germain Abbey
- Saint-Étienne Cathedral
- Yonne Quays
- Clock Tower
- Place Charles-Surugue
- Chablis
- Old Town
