Auxerre is a charming, historical city located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in north-central France. It's situated on the Yonne River, about 170 kilometers southeast of Paris.
The city had a population of around 35,000. This makes it a small city, yet it's rich in history, culture, and charm, and it serves as an important economic and administrative center for its region.
Historical Significance
Auxerre dates back to the Gallo-Roman era, and it boasts numerous historical landmarks. The Old Town area is particularly notable for its narrow, winding streets filled with half-timbered houses dating from the Middle Ages.
Notable Landmarks
1. Auxerre Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre): A remarkable Gothic-style cathedral that began construction in the 11th century. Its features include an impressive collection of stained-glass windows, a Romanesque crypt, and a Gothic choir.
More about this cathedral in a future article
2. Abbey of Saint-Germain: An abbey famous for its crypt, which contains some of the oldest frescoes in France. The crypt houses the tombs of the city's bishops, including its namesake, Saint Germain. To visit the abbey and church, you will need to pass through the museum (which requires you to buy a ticket).
Click here to access the Abbey and museum website (in French only)
3. Clock Tower (Tour de l'Horloge): A striking 15th-century clock tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
Click here to see where the clock tower is located on Google Maps
4. Old Town: The medieval heart of the city, with narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and charming squares.
The View
The most renowned perspective is arguably from the Yonne river. A charming and comfortable promenade stretches along the river's edge, providing the most breathtaking vista of the city.
Culture and Economy
Auxerre has a vibrant cultural scene, with several museums, including the Leblanc-Duvernoy Museum and the Saint-Germain Museum, which focus on local history and culture.
The city is also known for its high-quality wine production, being part of the Burgundy wine region. Particularly, Chablis, a well-known white wine, is produced in the area. This plays a significant role in the city's economy, along with tourism and various other industries.
Transportation
Auxerre is well connected by road and rail, with direct train services to Paris. The city is also served by the A6 motorway, which connects Paris and Lyon. Auxerre also has a small airport, Auxerre – Branches Aerodrome, primarily used for private and business travel.
Conclusion
Despite Auxerre's age and beauty, our experience there was not as enjoyable as we had hoped. The city suffers from significant pollution and the traffic is overwhelmingly chaotic. In order to explore the historical city center and take in its sights, one must maneuver around numerous parked vehicles.