Best attractions and places to see around Chemilly-Sur-Yonne include a blend of historical landmarks and natural features. The commune is situated in the Yonne department, bordering the Yonne River for about 750 meters. The area features numerous artificial lakes and ponds, created from sand extraction, particularly abundant in the northwest. Visitors can explore significant historical monuments and cultural sites within the region.
Last updated: July 6, 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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Good news: the Migennes Esnon section of the Burgundy canal, stony and not very passable, has just been completed on the other bank by a magnificent section of perfectly asphalted cycle route! Much easier to go from Migennes (SNCF station) to BRIENON
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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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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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Chemilly-Sur-Yonne and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the significant Église Saint-Georges, with parts dating back to the 13th century, and its classified historic monuments. Other notable sites include the 19th-century Lavoir du XIXe siècle, the ancient Château La Motte, and Château Barreau. The former Military Camp of Chemilly-sur-Yonne, built by German prisoners of war in 1917, also offers a glimpse into the area's past.
Yes, the region boasts impressive religious architecture. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre is a must-see, dominating the cityscape with its incredibly high Gothic vaults. Another significant site is the Abbaye Saint-Germain, a historical abbey in Auxerre featuring excavations in the basement and temporary exhibitions that delve into the city's history.
The landscape around Chemilly-Sur-Yonne is defined by the Yonne River, which borders the commune. The area is also notable for its numerous artificial lakes and ponds, particularly abundant in the northwest, formed from sand extraction. The Étangs de Chemilly (Chemilly Ponds) are a prominent natural feature, offering a tranquil, shaded setting.
For breathtaking views, head to the Paul Bert Bridge in Auxerre, which offers fantastic perspectives of the old town. Another excellent spot is the Thomas Jefferson Liberty Bridge (Passerelle de la Liberté Thomas-Jefferson), which provides one of the most beautiful views of Auxerre's old town, especially in the morning light.
Many attractions are suitable for families. The Paul Bert Bridge and Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre are both considered family-friendly. Additionally, the Étangs de Chemilly are ideal for family barbecues and offer a peaceful, shaded environment for relaxation.
The area offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore routes like the 'View of the Yonne loop from Gurgy' or the 'View of the Serein loop from Bassou'. Running enthusiasts can enjoy trails such as the 'Gurgy diversion lock – Gurgy loop from Bassou'. For more options, check out the dedicated guides for Hiking around Chemilly-Sur-Yonne and Running Trails around Chemilly-Sur-Yonne.
Yes, there are several gravel biking routes available. You can find challenging rides like the 'Paul Bert Bridge – Island of Pleasures, Auxerre loop from Auxerre Saint-Gervais' or the 'Paul Bert Bridge – Pont sur Yonne loop from Auxerre Saint-Gervais'. For more details and routes, refer to the Gravel biking around Chemilly-Sur-Yonne guide.
The Thomas Jefferson Liberty Bridge (Passerelle de la Liberté Thomas-Jefferson) is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering beautiful views of Auxerre's old town. While specific wheelchair-accessible trails are not extensively detailed, this bridge provides an accessible option for enjoying the scenery.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially from bridges like the Paul Bert Bridge, which offers a fantastic perspective of Auxerre's old town. The historical depth of sites like the Saint-Étienne Cathedral and Abbaye Saint-Germain, with their impressive architecture and rich past, also leaves a lasting impression.
Yes, Saint Nicholas Square in Auxerre, located right next to the Yonne River, is a charming area. It features many half-timbered houses in its immediate vicinity and has a rich history tied to the port and local life, with the fountain of the same name still visible today.
While specific seasonal details for Chemilly-Sur-Yonne are not provided, generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking, running, and gravel biking in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. These seasons typically avoid the peak heat of summer and the colder, potentially wetter conditions of winter, making them ideal for exploring the natural features and trails.


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