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Avallon

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City
—°1069
Avallon (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Avallon

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The old town has steep, cobbled streets; wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the ramparts.
  • Walk along the historic city walls for excellent views over the Cousin Valley.
  • Free parking is available outside the historic center, making it easier than navigating the narrow medieval streets.
  • Use Avallon as a base for exploring the nearby Morvan Regional Natural Park.

🍽 Food

🍽
Boeuf Bourguignon

The classic Burgundy dish, available in traditional restaurants in the town center.

🍽
Gougères

Savory cheese choux pastries, excellent as an appetizer or snack from a local bakery.

🍽
Burgundy Wines

Visit a local caviste or wine bar to sample Chablis or regional Pinot Noirs.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Thursday Market

A lively weekly market in the town center offering regional cheeses and fresh produce.

🛍
Mustard and Epoisses

Look for these famous Burgundy condiments and cheeses in local épiceries.

🧘
Vallée du Cousin

A heavily wooded, tranquil valley just below the town, excellent for a riverside walk.

🧘
Parc des Chaumes

A nice park area offering lovely panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Highlights of 2026

10

Avallon is a historic town in the Yonne department of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Perched on a granite promontory, it overlooks the steep valley of the Cousin River. This strategic defensive position has been utilized since Gallo-Roman times and was extensively developed during the Middle Ages. Today, the town is renowned for its well-preserved fortifications, including ramparts, towers, and bastions. The historic center features the 12th-century Collegiate Church of Saint-Lazare, a masterpiece of Burgundian Romanesque architecture with exceptionally carved portals. Known as the gateway to the Morvan Regional Natural Park, Avallon serves as a hub for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. Its economy thrives on tourism, services, and local craftsmanship. The terraced gardens along the ancient walls provide a unique urban landscape and wide-open views of the surrounding countryside. With its rich history and natural setting, Avallon is a key cultural landmark in Burgundy.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2361014171919151163
Rain mm625159577763636552736774

Geography

Population
8,740
Coordinates
47.49000, 3.90830

Facts

  • Population: 7,118 inhabitants
  • Old town altitude: approx. 250 m
  • Church of Saint-Lazare built: 12th century
  • Seat of the Arrondissement of Avallon
  • Commune area: approx. 26.75 km²
  • Status as a sub-prefecture

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Avallon (6)

Collégiale Saint-Lazare⛪ religious

A 12th-century Romanesque collegiate church, famous for its elaborately decorated portals and architecture.

Tour de l'Horloge🏺 historical

A 15th-century Gothic clock tower, a distinctive landmark at the entrance to the old town of Avallon.

Les Remparts🛡️ fortress

Medieval city walls surrounding the old town, offering wonderful views of the green Cousin valley.

Musée de l'Avallonnais🏛 museum

A museum in a former convent, showcasing collections of regional history, archaeology, and fine arts.

Jardins-terrasses d'Avallon🎡 recreation

Terraced gardens along the city walls, providing a peaceful spot for walking above the river valley.

Vallée du Cousin🌿 nature

A scenic valley with a river, old mills, and hiking trails, handy for nature lovers and trips.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main sights in Avallon?
Visit the medieval ramparts, the clock tower (Tour de l'Horloge), and the Saint-Lazare collegiate church.
Where can you find the best viewpoints?
The terraced gardens along the ramparts offer a magnificent view over the Cousin valley.
Is Avallon a good starting point for the Morvan?
Yes, the town is considered the northern gateway to the Morvan Regional Natural Park, handy for nature lovers.
Is there a weekly market in Avallon?
Yes, a large market with regional products takes place in the town center every Saturday morning.
How do you get from Paris to Avallon?
It is about 220 km by car (A6), and by train there are connections via Laroche-Migennes (approx. 2.5 hours).
Avallon: where is it located?
Avallon is located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France.
Avallon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Collégiale Saint-Lazare, Tour de l'Horloge, Les Remparts.
Avallon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Avallon: why is it worth visiting?
Avallon is a historic town in the Yonne department of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
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