Auxerre City
Historic city in Burgundy, France
On the Yonne, Auxerre offers Romanesque architecture, a Gothic cathedral, timbered lanes and easy access to Chablis vineyards; diners come for Burgundian cuisine and market stalls along the river.
Why Visit Auxerre?#
Nestled on the Yonne River, this provincial city pairs medieval architecture with Burgundy’s world-class wine culture. The Cathedral of Saint-Étienne and the Abbey of Saint-Germain anchor a historic center of half-timbered houses and leafy quays. Food and wine take center stage here: taste local Burgundian dishes and nearby Chablis wines while strolling atmospheric squares, where regional markets and cellar doors reveal the gastronomic traditions that draw many visitors.
Best Things to Do in Auxerre#
Auxerre Bucket List#
Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d’Auxerre - Cathédrale Saint-Étienne impresses with Gothic choir and medieval stained-glass windows.
Abbey of Saint-Germain - Abbey of Saint-Germain includes crypts, frescoes, and ancient monastic architecture.
Auxerre old town and Tour de l’Horloge - Stroll Auxerre’s medieval streets to see timber houses and the Tour de l’Horloge.
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire - Musée d’Art et d’Histoire offers local art, archaeology, and temporary exhibitions.
Quays of the Yonne - Yonne quays are lined with cafés, perfect for afternoon walks and river views.
Les Halles market - Les Halles market showcases Burgundian cheeses, produce, and artisan stalls on market days.
Chablis wine region - Drive to Chablis for vineyard tours, tastings, and classic Chablis wine cellars.
Vézelay - Vézelay’s Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is a pilgrimage site with hilltop village charm.
Best Time to Visit Auxerre#
Auxerre has a continental-leaning climate with cold winters and warm summers. Late spring through early autumn is best for vineyards, river walks, and outdoor dining.
December - February
-1-7°C (30-45°F)
Chilly, gray days with occasional frost; quiet town atmosphere and lower prices, but many riverside cafés and vineyards are less lively.
March - May & September - November
6-18°C (43-64°F)
Mild, picturesque shoulder seasons ideal for cycling vineyards and strolling the Yonne; mornings can be dewy, but afternoons are perfect for cafés and light hikes.
June - August
15-28°C (59-82°F)
Warm, often sunny days suit river cruises and vineyard visits, though peak season brings more tourists and busier restaurants, expect reservations.
Auxerre's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (682 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Auxerre#
Auxerre is best reached from Paris by train (Gare d’Auxerre served by TER services via Laroche-Migennes) or by car. The town itself is compact and most attractions are accessible on foot or by local bus.
Paris airports (CDG/ORY): Auxerre has no major airport; international visitors usually fly into Paris (Charles de Gaulle CDG or Orly ORY) and continue by rail or car. From Paris it’s roughly a 1.5-2 hour rail journey depending on connections.
Local aerodromes: There are small regional airfields in Burgundy for private or charter flights, but these are specialist options rather than scheduled services.
Train: Auxerre is served by Auxerre station (Gare d’Auxerre) with regional TER Bourgogne-Franche-Comté services. Typical journeys from Paris (via Laroche-Migennes or direct regional links) take around 1h30-2h; fares typically vary by advance booking and service (€10-€35).
Bus: Regional coaches and local buses connect Auxerre with nearby towns and villages. Buses are useful for places not served by rail but can be slower and less frequent, especially on weekends.
How to Get Around Auxerre#
Auxerre is most conveniently reached by TER regional trains from Paris and nearby cities. Within the town, walking and short bus trips are the most practical ways to get around; rent a car for broader Burgundy excursions.
- TER trains (regional) (€10-€35) - Gare d’Auxerre is the main railhead, with TER services linking to Laroche-Migennes and onward to Paris and Dijon. Trains are the simplest public way to reach Auxerre from major hubs; book ahead for intercity legs and check connections at Laroche for the fastest itineraries.
- Local buses (€1.50-€5 (typical)) - Local bus services cover Auxerre’s neighbourhoods and nearby villages. They’re useful for short trips outside the central area but have limited timetables on Sundays and evenings - check the local operator’s site for times and fares.
- Taxis (€10-€60 (depending on distance)) - Taxis operate from outside the station and around town; they are convenient for airport transfers or when carrying luggage. For longer regional trips they become expensive compared with trains or car hire.
- Car hire (€35-€80/day (typical)) - A rental car is recommended if you want to explore Burgundy’s vineyards, abbeys and countryside at your own pace. Roads are generally good; parking in Auxerre’s centre can be restricted but public car parks are available.
- Cycling (€8-€25/day) - Auxerre and its riverside paths are pleasant to cycle, and bike rental options exist seasonally. Cycling is a good way to explore the Yonne valley and nearby vineyards.
- Walking - Auxerre’s old town, cathedral and riverside are compact and highly walkable; the scenic centre is best experienced on foot with frequent stops at cafés and viewpoints.
Where to Stay in Auxerre#
Old Town / Cathedral - €45-90/night
Auxerre has a few budget chains and simple guesthouses in the old town; expect clean, basic rooms within walking distance of sights.
Ibis Auxerre Centre (Accor listings) - Basic, reliable chain option
Local guesthouses - Simple stays near the cathedral
Riverbanks / City Centre - €90-150/night
Mid-range hotels cluster around the river and cathedral, offering comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and easy walking access to museums and shops.
Comfort hotels and boutique stays - Characterful town-centre properties
Kyriad / Campanile (nearby) - Comfortable, known-value chains
Surrounding Vineyards / Countryside - €160+/night
Auxerre’s luxury options are mainly nearby country châteaux and upscale boutique hotels - tranquil settings with higher-end dining and service.
Rural relais and boutique châteaux - Peaceful country-house stays
Top-rated boutique hotels - Refined service and gastronomy
Where to Eat in Auxerre#
Auxerre offers Burgundy cuisine and wines: riverside bistros, market stalls and at least one noted fine-dining option a short drive away.
- La Côte Saint-Jacques (Joigny) - Renowned restaurant just outside Auxerre
- Local bistros in Auxerre - Classic Burgundy cooking and local wines
- Les Halles d’Auxerre - Market stalls with cheese and produce
Morning boulangeries, riverfront cafés and wine shops make Auxerre ideal for relaxed tasting of Burgundy breads, cheeses and local vintages.
- Local boulangeries - Fresh breads, pastries and morning coffee
- Riverfront cafés - Light lunches with view of the Yonne
- Fromageries and wine shops - Regional cheeses and wine pairings
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Auxerre’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Auxerre#
Shopping in Auxerre focuses on independent shops, bakeries, wine merchants and small markets in the old town. The city is a good place to browse Burgundian food and wine specialists. For larger retail centres, nearby towns offer bigger choices by car or train.
Nightlife in Auxerre#
Auxerre offers a modest evening scene: wine bars, cafés and a few late-night spots rather than busy nightclub districts. Most evenings are relaxed, centered on dining and drinking in the historic centre.
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