France · 2026 itinerary
Auxerre 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Auxerre: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The medieval core with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and the 15th-century Clock Tower standing at the junction of the main shopping streets. Walking the streets is free; the tower itself is n
🕐 Always accessible
Free entry💡 Pick up the 'Circuit des Maisons à Pans de Bois' leaflet (free from tourist office) for a self-guided walk past 20+ medieval timber-framed houses. The best examples are on Rue Joubert and Rue de l'Horloge.
Hotels near Old Town and Clock Tower (Tour de l'Horloge) →A 13th-century Gothic cathedral with stained-glass windows, a crypt with 11th-century frescoes, and a climbable north tower offering city views. The main nave and crypt are free to enter; the tower co
🕐 Daily 9:00-18:00; crypt closed 12:00-14:00
Free entry💡 Visit the crypt first (entrance inside the cathedral, left aisle) to see the Romanesque frescoes, then climb the tower for panoramic views of the Yonne valley.
Hotels near Auxerre Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne) →Le Quart's · ££
Bella Vita · ££
Deeper Into Auxerre
Housed in a former 17th-century bishops' palace, this museum covers local history, decorative arts, and archaeology, including Gallo-Roman artifacts. The permanent collection is free on the first Sund
🕐 Wed-Mon 10:00-12:30, 14:00-18:00; closed Tue. Free on first Sun of month.
💡 The garden terrace has a fine view of the cathedral. Combine with a visit to the Abbey of Saint-Germain if you’re doing the first-Sunday free tour loop — both are within a 5-minute walk.
A Benedictine abbey with Carolingian crypts that contain some of the oldest frescoes in France (9th century). The grounds include a cloister and a museum, but the crypts are the main draw. Entry to th
🕐 Wed-Mon 10:00-12:30, 14:00-18:00; closed Tue
💡 The crypts have limited access — book a free guided tour at the tourist office or go early. The 'Salle capitulaire' often hosts free exhibitions.
Ti Amo coffee & gelato
Chick Naan
Final Favourites & Departure
A woodland park on a hilltop with walking trails, a playground, a pond, and a belvedere offering wide views over the Yonne valley and the old town. It’s a calm
💡 Head to the belvedere at sunset for a quiet view of the cathedral and the river. The park has a small car park if you’re driving, but it’s a 10-minute uphill walk from the centre.
Le Kashmir
Le Sub'
Getting Around Auxerre
Buy a carnet of 10 tickets at the station tabac for €12; it works on all local buses too. The tram stop 'Porte de Paris' is closer to Les Tulipes than Place des Cordeliers—get off there and walk 3 minutes.
FlixBus drops you a 10-minute walk from Les Tulipes on Rue de la Préfecture. Bring snacks; there's no proper onboard catering.
Pre-book via Taxi Auxerre or a local firm like Auxerre Transfert. Ask for a fixed price upfront to avoid meter surprises.
Book online with SNCF at least 3 days ahead for the cheapest fares (Ouigo trains also run to nearby Laroche-Migennes; check which is closer to your hotel).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Auxerre?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Old Town and Clock Tower (Tour de l'Horloge) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Auxerre?
See our full best time to visit Auxerre guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Le Nid, Les Tulipes, Gîte Le Bacchus. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.