Best attractions and places to see around Appoigny, a commune in the Yonne department of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, France, offer a blend of historical heritage and natural features. Located near Auxerre, the area provides various sites for exploration. The Yonne River runs through Appoigny, contributing to its natural landscape. Visitors can find cultural sites and natural points of interest in and around the commune.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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The site is open from 10 a.m. and can be visited free of charge. There are deckchairs in the cloister for a shady and quiet break. The museums are worth a visit. You learn a lot about the history of the city, which dates back to at least the 5th century. You can see from the church that it has been rebuilt several times. The archaeological crypt, which is located under the forecourt of today's church, is very impressive. You should plan enough time for a visit. It took me almost two hours to get an initial overview. "The former abbey of Saint-Germain d'Auxerre is located north of the city center of Auxerre. Bishop Germanus of Auxerre founded it and provided his family's land outside the former city walls as well as land to ensure its existence. The first building of the monastery was a simple chapel. At the beginning of the 6th century, the Merovingian Queen Chrodechild, the wife of King Clovis I, had the chapel expanded into a basilica. Fires in the 11th and 12th centuries required extensive renovation work on the nave in the second half of the 12th century; Of the Romanesque double tower facade that was built, only the southern tower has been preserved. The monastery was partially destroyed by Huguenots in 1567, secularized in 1810 and partially demolished the following year. The nave was reduced to its Gothic parts, which were given a neo-Gothic façade in 1817: As a result of this measure, the remaining south tower now has no connection to the basilica. Today the Musée-Abbaye Saint-Germain is located on the site of the abbey. Musée d'Art et d'Histoire d'Auxerre." More about the history here: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Germain_d%E2%80%99Auxerre
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At the statue of the namesake Paul Bert you will find a small balcony from which you can enjoy the view of the old town in peace.
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The site is open from 10 a.m. and can be visited free of charge. Deckchairs are available in the cloister for a shady and quiet break. The museums are worth a visit. You learn a lot about the history of the city, which dates back to at least the 5th century. The church shows that it has been rebuilt several times. The archaeological crypt located under the forecourt of today's church is very impressive. You should plan enough time for a visit. It took me almost two hours to get a first overview. "The former Abbey of Saint-Germain d'Auxerre is located north of the city center of Auxerre. Bishop Germanus of Auxerre founded it and provided his family with land outside the then city walls and lands to ensure its existence. The first building of the monastery was a simple chapel. At the beginning of the 6th century, the Merovingian Queen Chrodechild, the wife of King Clovis I, had the chapel converted into a basilica. Fires in the 11th and 12th centuries necessitated extensive renovations to the nave in the second half of the 12th century; Only the southern tower of the Romanesque double-tower facade that was erected at the time has survived. The monastery was partially destroyed by Huguenots in 1567, secularized in 1810 and partially demolished the following year. The nave was reduced to its Gothic parts, which were given a neo-Gothic facade in 1817: the preserved south tower is now not connected to the basilica as a result of this measure. The Musée-Abbaye Saint-Germain is now on the site of the abbey. Musée d'Art et d'Histoire d'Auxerre." More about the story here: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Germain_d%E2%80%99Auxerre
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The cathedral is open for tours during the day and this is not to be missed! It is a major work of French Gothic architecture and impresses with its high, light-flooded vaults and colorful windows. "The cathedral is located in the center of the old town on a hill above the Yonne. Saint-Étienne was begun in 1215. Today's Gothic cathedral is the fifth building on this site. In 1567 the Huguenots sacked the city and the cathedral, which necessitated repairs, particularly to the choir glazing. The French Revolution caused countless damage to the building and its furnishings. The goldsmith's work was melted down, the church was transformed into a temple of reason, and the important statue of the suffering Stephen on the high altar only escaped destruction because it was turned into a suffering Marat in the bath. In 1840 Prosper Mérimée placed the cathedral under monument protection. Extensive restoration work took place throughout the 19th century." Much more about the history here: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathedrale_von_Auxerre
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Rue du Temple also begins here heading south. The Templars had a headquarters on this street. There are a lot of small shops there and of course many beautiful houses. What you can't see at first glance is the entrance to a relatively large supermarket. The Monoprix food department is hidden behind the clothing department, which can be seen from the square.
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The skipper's patron had his natural place on the banks of the Yonne river, on the very spot where the port has existed since time immemorial. The oldest charters mention the Port Saint-Nicolas. The fountain of the same name, formerly the Saint-Germain fountain, sprang up in the middle of the square, at the time when the enclosure of the city walls existed, and in the middle of this same square stood a stone cross. We can still see, at the corner of the old house n° 2, the statue of the great bishop of Myre, raised by the brotherhood of Saint-Nicolas and having at his feet a tank filled with small children who serve as his attributes. In 1339, the Book of the Hôtel-Dieu tells us that there was a Maison des Estuves or public baths in front of the Saint-Germain fountain. In 1626, the port of Saint-Nicolas was the scene of a violent tumult caused by the high cost of grain. A lady Noubert, from Dijon, who was driving two boats laden with wheat to Paris, was arrested at Auxerre on July 26 by the populace, who loudly demanded the sale of wheat at the market price. The provost, not knowing how to stop the riot, sanctioned the demands of the inhabitants and had the wheat sold. But Dame Noubert assigned the aldermen of Auxerre to the Parliament of Paris. We do not know the outcome of this case. The fountain supplied the district with drinking water until 1783. In 1909, the stone basin which adorned the square of the large fountains (Charles Surugue square) was installed in this square where it can still be seen. http://auxerre.histoire.free.fr/Ville/quartier_saint_germain/place_saint_nicolas.htm
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Saint Stephen (Saint Etienne), to whom Auxerre Cathedral is dedicated, is one of the seven first deacons of the early Jerusalem community and is also the first martyr (martyr) of early Christianity. The church remembers him on Boxing Day, December 26th. When Stephen uttered his vision of the open heaven, "And being filled with the Holy Spirit, he looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God" (Acts chapter 7 verse 55), the people were so indignant that that they drove him out of the city and stoned him.
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Right next to L'Yonne is this small square in the Saint Nicolas district. Many half-timbered houses are in the immediate vicinity.
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Appoigny is rich in history. You can explore the Collegiate Church of Saint-Pierre, an early 13th-century church with a remarkable Renaissance rood screen. The village also features several Old Wash Houses, offering a glimpse into past daily life. Additionally, the mysterious Pierre Saint-Martin, an ancient megalith, marks the junction of four municipalities and is steeped in local legends.
Yes, Appoigny offers several natural spots. The Yonne River runs through the commune, providing picturesque banks and marked hiking trails. For walking opportunities amidst local flora and fauna, you can visit the Woods of Chaumois and La Biche. The Communal Park of Gué de la Pucelle is another pleasant outdoor area to enjoy.
For panoramic views, head to the Viewpoint Indicator at Tertre, located at the highest point of Appoigny. Additionally, the Paul Bert Bridge in nearby Auxerre offers breathtaking views of the city and the Yonne River.
Families can enjoy several attractions. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre is a grand historical site that can be visited for free, offering an impressive architectural experience. The Paul Bert Bridge is also considered family-friendly, providing scenic views. While not explicitly listed as family-friendly, exploring the natural areas like the Yonne River banks or the local woods can also be suitable for families.
Absolutely. Auxerre, just 9 km from Appoigny, boasts significant historical sites. You can visit the impressive Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre with its high Gothic vaults and ancient crypt. Another must-see is the Abbaye Saint-Germain, which features excavations and temporary exhibitions, offering deep insights into the city's history.
In nearby Auxerre, the Place Surugue and Cadet Roussel Fountain is a very popular spot. It features beautifully preserved old half-timbered houses, cafes, and a fountain dedicated to the famous French folk song. Another charming area is Saint Nicholas Square, located right next to the Yonne River, also surrounded by many half-timbered houses.
There are various hiking trails around Appoigny, catering to different difficulty levels. You can find easy routes like the 'View of the Yonne loop from Gurgy' (7.1 km) or the 'Gurgy loop from Gurgy' (4.9 km). For a moderate challenge, consider the 'Ru de la Fontaine Bouillon – La Douette loop from Appoigny' (8.8 km). You can find more hiking options on the Hiking around Appoigny guide.
Yes, the area around Appoigny is suitable for cycling. There are several routes, including easy options like the 'South and West Migennois Loop' (28.2 km) or the 'Cathedral – Small weir loop from Gurgy' (19.0 km). For more extensive rides, you might try the 'Gurgy diversion lock – Étang de Bonnard loop from Appoigny' (43.2 km). Explore more routes on the Cycling around Appoigny guide.
For road cycling enthusiasts, Appoigny offers several routes. Moderate options include the 'Statue of Paul Bert – Paul Bert Bridge loop from Gurgy' (44.6 km) and the 'Gurgy – Paul Bert Bridge loop from Appoigny' (30.7 km). If you're looking for a more challenging ride, consider the 'Gurgy – Chablis Village and Vineyards loop from Appoigny' (113.2 km). Discover more routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Appoigny guide.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views from the Paul Bert Bridge, especially of Auxerre's old town. The charming half-timbered houses and vibrant atmosphere of Place Surugue and Cadet Roussel Fountain are also highly appreciated, often with recommendations for local cafes and chocolatiers. The impressive Gothic architecture and historical depth of the Saint-Étienne Cathedral and Abbaye Saint-Germain are also consistently highlighted as memorable experiences.
The current Château de Régennes, rebuilt on the site of an 11th-century fortress, has housed a clinic since 1976. Therefore, it is not generally open to the public for tours or visits as a historical attraction.


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