Auxerre

In northern Burgundy, on the banks of the River Yonne, is the splendid city of Auxerre, the capital of the Yonne department. A truly historic place to visit, with the cathedral of Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre, the Place Saint Nicolas, the medieval clock tower, half-timbered houses, and narrow streets adding charm and an inviting welcome. A once busy commercial centre with trade coming from the goods transported on the river to and from Paris, the north and south of France.

The most famous view of Auxerre is from the right bank, across the River Yonne, looking towards the towers of the cathedral of Saint-Étienne, the Abbaye Saint‑Germain, and the churches of Saint‑Pierre and Saint‑Eusèbe.

Escaliers rue de l’Yonne

Rue de la Marine

La Tour de l'Horloge

Place Saint-Nicolas

When you visit the city, begin your walk on the riverbank close to the Hotel Maxime, look towards the cathedral and walk uphill along the narrow streets, pass the Palais épiscopal D'Auxerre, and keep walking up towards the clock tower "La Tour de l'Horloge" on the pedestrian street. There are many boutiques and other historical buildings to see, such as the Place Charles Lepère, Place Maréchal Leclerc, Statue Marie Noel, Place De L'Abbé Deschamps and Porte René Laffon.

Cruising downstream from the Yonne River from Auxerre, you can join the Burgundy Canal in Migennes. Whilst heading upstream, you'll enjoy the very romantic and picturesque Canal du Nivernais. The moorings are plentiful and numerous along both banks. There are many places to moor along the quays and the port on the right bank.

Historical buildings to visit in Auxerre

• The cathedral of Saint-Étienne, although there are early traces of construction dating back to the 4th century, after fires, troubles, the building of the cathedral began in 1215 with the Bishop Guillaume, and consecration was in 1543
• Abbaye Saint-Germain, which was founded in the 5th century
• Place des Cordeliers is in the city centre, historically old and lively, with beautiful buildings and some good restaurants.
• The Clock Tower (La Tour de l'Horloge) is one of the city's historical landmarks, built in the 15th century.

Here is some fun information for people who like mathematics: Jean-Baptiste Joseph Fourier (1768–1830) was born in Auxerre. This famous mathematician developed the Fourier Series and the Fourier Transform. Also  Marie Noël, a great 20th-century poet (1883–1967).