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Auxerre to Avallon Walk
Day 1: Arrive at Auxerre
A medieval city with narrow streets of half-timbered houses. Two Gothic churches: St Etienne, 13-16C with magnificent stained glass, and St Germain, 13-14C with 9C crypt, are worth a look.
Day 2: Auxerre/Accolay (11 mi / 17km / 5hrs )
Lift to pick up the GR13 at Champs-sur-Yonne. Then through vineyards with lovely views over the river, through the wine village of Irancy, down to the Yonne again at Cravant, and on to Accolay.
Day 3: (At Accolay )
Perhaps walk or take the local train to Arcy-sur-Cure (10km/3hrs). Here you can visit the extensive caves and grottoes in the limestone cliffs. The halls and galleries extend for over 800m and contain an emerald-green lake.
Day 4: Accolay (Sermizelles) to Vezelay (8mi / 14km / 3hrs )
Today’s walk follows the GR13, across the wooded slopes of Montmartre (the hilltop offers circular views over the whole region). Then on through the picturesque village of Domecy-sur-le-Vault, to Vézelay.
Day 5: At Vezelay
In 1146, St Bernard of Clairvaux launched the Second Crusade from the abbey of this fortified mediaeval hilltop town. From the plain an old pilgrims’ path climbs to the Basilica of Ste Madeleine - it dominates the town and is visible for miles around. Inside, the sculptures surrounding the great pillars are like a mediaeval miracle play in stone.
Day 6: Vizelay/Avallon (20km/13mi/4hr)
Walk down through vineyards to the River Cure. Picking up the GR again, there’s a short climb, then an easy walk through vines and woods to Pontaubert. Finally, you stroll along the shady banks of the Cousin to Avallon.
Day 7: At Avallon
Formerly the Druidic college of Aballo, this ancient fortified town has survived numerous sackings. You have the whole day to explore the place: stroll round Vauban’s ramparts, visit the church of St. Lazare, admire the old clock tower and step back in fashion history at the Costume Museum! Or take an independent walk through the Morvan National Park - our rep can provide suggested routes.
Day 8: Avallon/Auxerre (7mi / 12km / 3hrs )
Today you can take the train (1 hour) direct to Auxerre so that you have lots of time to explore the mediaeval city. Alternatively, hop on and off the local railway, taking in the best walks (we provide details) and most interesting sights en route. These include the stunning limestone cliffs of the Côte de la Damewhere man has lived for over a hundred centuries; the recently restored Gallo-Roman site at Camp de Cora; the riverside village of Vincelottes (highly acclaimed restaurant for lunch) and the vast underground Caves de Baillywhere the semi-sparkling Cremant de Bourgogneis produced.
Day 9: Leave Auxerre
We arrange transport to Auxerre station after breakfast.