Theater Class Performance
Discover the talent of local theater students during a lively performance in Villeneuve-sur-Yonne.
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Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
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ℹ️Practical info — Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Walk through the Porte de Joigny and Porte de Sens, the impressive medieval gates that once guarded the town.
- Take a stroll along the Yonne riverbank for great views of the old bridges and the town's pretty reflection.
- For the best photos, visit the riverbank or the old town streets during the golden hour in the late afternoon.
- The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption is a must-see for its beautiful Renaissance facade and striking Gothic interior.
🍽 Food
🍽
Gougères
These savory cheese puffs are a Burgundy specialty; pick some up fresh from a local bakery.
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Burgundy Wines
Enjoy a glass of regional wine, such as Chablis, at a local café or riverside restaurant.
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Escargots de Bourgogne
Try traditional Burgundy snails with garlic butter at a classic French restaurant in the town center.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Regional wines and spirits
Browse a local 'cave à vin' (wine shop) in the old town for an excellent selection of Burgundy wines.
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Antiques and local crafts
Explore the small shops and boutiques along the Rue du Commerce for unique finds.
🧘
The Yonne Promenade
A tranquil walking path along the banks of the Yonne River, great for a relaxing afternoon or a picnic.
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Place des Anciens Combattants
A quiet, tree-lined square where you can sit and rest while exploring the historic center.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
5
Summer Market and 80s Night
A festive day of local products followed by a high-energy dance night featuring 80s hits.
At the Heart of the River - Historical Exhibition
Exhibition showcasing the history and activities along the Yonne river, organized by the Friends of Old Villeneuve.
AdelOR - Academy Students Concert
A concert featuring the talented students of the "Les épopées" Academy as part of the AdelOR project.
From Gothic to Renaissance
A fascinating architectural journey through the historical heritage of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne.
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne is a historic gem in northern Burgundy, founded in 1163 by King Louis VII of France as a royal 'new town' to fortify the border. The town's urban plan is remarkably preserved, showcasing its medieval origins through straight streets and fortified remains. Its most iconic landmarks are the Porte de Sens and the Porte de Joigny, two massive stone gates that served as defensive bastions for centuries. The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture dating back to the 13th century, stands as a testament to the town's religious importance. Geographically, its location on the banks of the Yonne river made it a vital port for shipping timber and Burgundy wines to the growing market in Paris. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town became a creative hub for the Nabis artists, including Édouard Vuillard, who were captivated by the light and atmosphere of the river valley. Today, it remains a bustling cultural destination that blends royal history with the peaceful ambiance of the Burgundy countryside.
- Location: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- Top sights: Porte de Sens · Porte de Joigny · Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church
- Nearby: Sens (13 km)
- Population: ~5.353
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 59 | 50 | 56 | 50 | 76 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 51 | 69 | 63 | 69 |
Geography
Facts
- Year of royal foundation: 1163.
- Number of remaining medieval gates: 2.
- Seat of the canton of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne.
- Distance to Paris: roughly 110 km.
- Total land area: 40.37 square kilometers.
- The church has been a historical monument since 1840.
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 Villeneuve-sur-Yonne (4)
Frequently asked questions
Which medieval remains are preserved?
The two imposing city gates, Porte de Sens and Porte de Joigny, from the 13th century.
What is the town's main church?
The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, an impressive Gothic church with a Renaissance facade.
Can you go boating on the Yonne?
Yes, there is a marina on the riverbank and opportunities for boat trips.
How do I get from Paris to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne?
By TER train from Paris-Bercy, the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Is there a beach at the river?
Yes, in summer there is a supervised swimming spot on the Yonne with grassy areas.
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne: where is it located?
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne is located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France.
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne: what is there to see?
Highlights include Porte de Sens, Porte de Joigny, Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church.
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne: why is it worth visiting?
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne is a historic gem in northern Burgundy, founded in 1163 by King Louis VII of France as a royal 'new town' to fortify the border.
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