The Urban community of Auxerrois
It is made up of 20 communes, including Auxerre, the central town of 40,000 inhabitants and 19 rural communes of varying sizes and each with their own distinctive features and tourist gems: it's up to you to discover them on your visits!
Itineraries from village to village are given in the tourist guide of the Auxerre region, crisscrossing woods, vineyards, along the Yonne river or lakes.
Commune of Appoigny
The 13th century Church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul conceals one of the region's rare jubes. This very lively village has a wealth of ancient wash-houses. On the banks of the Yonne, you'll see Château de Régennes, rebuilt where the château belonging to the bishops of Auxerre used to stand.
Commune of Augy
On the banks of the Yonne, at the gateway to Auxerre and the set-off point for many walks, Augy boasts a varied landscape with the Saint-Bris-le-Vineux hills on the shores of the Yonne. In the heart of the village, visit Saint-Maurice church dating back to the 12th and 16th centuries and the 19th century wash-house.
Commune of Beine
In this wine-making village producing Chablis wines (especially Premier Cru wines such as Beauroy, Vau de Ligneau and Vau de Vey), come and see the 13th century Notre-Dame church which has undergone substantial rebuilding work, an artificial waterway created to protect the vines from frosts by spraying water, picnic areas and paths running through the vines.
Commune of Bleigny le Carreau
In Bleigny le Carreau you'll have a striking view over the forest and can go exploring along an array of footpaths, particularly the old Roman road from Auxerre to Troyes, and see a dolmen on the Croix Saint Denis-Vogues road.
Commune of Branches
Fine-looking houses surround Saint-Martin Church, the decor of which conceals ancient ochre wall paintings. The commune has a 100 hectare forest and an air base where the initiated can reach for the skies.
Commune of Charbuy
Surrounded by forests and lakes, this commune is crossed by the famous hiking trail GR 13. Here you can visit the beautiful Saint-Médard Church with a rich 16th century doorway.
Commune of Chevannes
In Chevannes, you can explore an array of farms along the footpaths, a fortified house, a 16th century manor house, two châteaux and the church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul dating back to the 16th century.
Commune of Chitry
Saint-Valérien Church, dating back to the 12th - 16th centuries, has three towers, the 14th century tower boasting five levels of loopholes and machicolation. The vinegrowers' houses form a unified ensemble inviting you to go exploring its little streets. A whole range of walks are possible among cherry trees and vineyards around the village, revealing a superb panorama as you leave the village towards Chablis.
Commune of Gurgy
The commune has an array of leisure activities on offer with various lakes and the Yonne river (with a salmon ladder), a river port and riding centres. Countless prehistoric remains have been unearthed, the main findings from which are now on display in Auxerre museums.
Commune of Monéteau
In Monéteau, the metal bridge of Gustave Eiffel connects the two banks of the Yonne. Saint-Cyr Church is worth a visit, and the grounds of Château de Colbert and the Montmorency villa are worth a stroll. You can also go for a wander in the forest of Thureau du Bas.
Commune of Montigny la Resle
In this rural village, you'll admire the fine houses with brick doorways and Notre-Dame church dating back to the 12th century. You can also visit two châteaux, a fortified house and La Resle farm, from where the village gets its name.
Commune of Quenne Nangis
Situated at the foot of the cherry-tree and vine-covered hills, the commune of Quenne Nangis is a lovely place to wander. Come and visit the 12th century church of Notre-Dame with an eight-part rosace on the front and a superb Virgin of the Apocalypse inside. The Wine Ecomuseum has an extremely rare wine press dating back to the turn of the 18th century and a 1900 Burgundian interior.
Commune of Saint-Bris le Vineux
Among the hillsides covered with vines and cherry trees, the church overlooks vinegrowers' houses that have often been done up through the eventful history of the village, but whose 12th and 13th centuries are the most stable and living memory of wine-making activity. The church, built between the 12th and 16th centuries, presents successive architectures of which the Renaissance choir with very ornate decor and the stain-glass windows, with the wall painting of the tree of Jessé, are the jewels in the crown. Everything in Saint-Bris recalls that grapes and cherries are the village's two gold coins. The Lords of Saint Bris also left behind an 18th century château.
Commune of Saint-Georges sur Baulche
The commune is surrounded by footpaths, including the famous GR 13. Here, you can visit Saint-Georges Church dating back to the 12th and 16th centuries and the valley of Ru de Baulche (highly prized by lovers of fishing).
Commune of Vallan
Multiple fountain sources are scattered around the village. Near the Roman way, the Hospitaliers way recalls the Knights Templars, Hospitaliers of Saint-John, lords of Vallan.
Commune de Vaux
Near to Auxerre and its activities, the village of Vaux is a peaceful old vinegrowing village on the banks of the river. From there, you can walk or cycle along the tow paths. Cherry trees, part of the vineyard replanted in the 1960s and cultivated today by 5 vinegrowers, give the hillsides a varied landscape overlooking the Yonne valley. The church, wash-house and cellars are all remnants of the village history.
Commune of Venoy
4 kms from Auxerre and junction 20 of the A6 motorway, the village has 17 hamlets that are ideal for walks, during which you can visit our wine-makers' cellars in particular. The general technology and professional college of La Brosse has over 350 students. Saint Louis and Saint Maurice Church has a beautiful façade and is well worth a visit.... On leaving Venoy to get to Auxerre via the R.D. 124, walkers are rewarded with a superb panoramic view of Auxerre.
Commune of Villefargeau
This commune, on the gateway to la Puisaye, has a range of leisure activities on offer: horse riding, tennis, forest walks. You can also visit its two châteaux and 19th century church of Saint-Léger.
Commune of Villeneuve Saint Salves
Surrounded by forests, the village harbours two impressive buildings: Saint-Cloud Chapel and Sainte-Pallaye Church. The Colbert oak evokes its sale to the domain.
