Best attractions and places to see around Perrigny include historical sites and cultural landmarks in the nearby city of Auxerre. This area offers a blend of architectural heritage and scenic views along the Yonne River. Visitors can explore significant religious buildings and public squares. The region provides opportunities for cultural exploration within a historical urban setting.
Last updated: July 2, 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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The church belongs to the monastery of Saint-Eusèbe, founded by Saint Palladius, bishop of Auxerre from 622 to 657. It was placed under monument protection in 1862. This church is also open during the day and can be visited free of charge, which is definitely worth doing. The associated monastery was founded around 640 and was often attacked or even destroyed, so the monks abandoned it and the monastery became the property of Auxerre Cathedral. It lay about 150 m southeast of the 3rd century fortress that surrounded the city at the time and was not incorporated into the city until 1196 with the construction of the second wall. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint-Eus%C3%A8be,_Auxerre
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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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Rue du Temple also begins here heading south. The Templars had a headquarters on this street. There are a lot of small shops there and of course many beautiful houses. What you can't see at first glance is the entrance to a relatively large supermarket. The Monoprix food department is hidden behind the clothing department, which can be seen from the square.
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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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The area around Perrigny, particularly in the nearby city of Auxerre, is rich in history. You can explore the impressive Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre, known for its high Gothic vaults and Romanesque crypt. Another significant site is Abbaye Saint-Germain, which features a church, museum, and archaeological crypt with a history dating back to the 5th century. Don't miss Place Surugue and Cadet Roussel Fountain, a charming square with old half-timbered houses and a fountain commemorating the folk song "Cadet Roussel".
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Paul Bert Bridge offers breathtaking views of Auxerre and the Yonne River, which can be enjoyed by all ages. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre is also considered family-friendly, offering an impressive architectural experience. Exploring the historical squares like Place Surugue and Cadet Roussel Fountain and Saint Nicholas Square provides a pleasant stroll through the city's charming streets.
The region around Perrigny offers various outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. You can find numerous routes for different skill levels. For hiking, consider trails like the 'Clock Tower – Abbaye Saint-Germain loop from Auxerre' (easy) or the 'Saint Nicholas Square – Statue of Paul Bert loop from Saint-Georges-sur-Baulche' (moderate). Cyclists can explore routes such as the 'Auxerrois Countryside and Canal du Nivernais Loop' (moderate) or the 'From Auxerre to Gurgy — loop via the V51 along the canal and the aerodrome' (moderate). For more challenging rides, there are gravel biking routes like the 'Paul Bert Bridge – Island of Pleasures, Auxerre loop from Auxerre Saint-Gervais' (difficult). You can find detailed information on these and other routes in the hiking guide, gravel biking guide, and cycling guide for Perrigny.
For breathtaking views of Auxerre, the Paul Bert Bridge is highly recommended. From here, you can enjoy a fantastic panorama of the old town and the Yonne River. The statue of Paul Bert on the bridge also offers a small balcony for a peaceful viewing experience. Additionally, the Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre, due to its prominence, shapes the cityscape and can be photographed very well from the bridges over the L'Yonne.
Visitors particularly enjoy Place Surugue and Cadet Roussel Fountain, a very popular place with charming old half-timbered houses, cafes, and restaurants. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre is also a must-see, with its impressive Gothic architecture. The Abbaye Saint-Germain is another highly appreciated site, offering insights into the city's ancient history.
Yes, Place Surugue and Cadet Roussel Fountain is noted as wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs. This square offers a pleasant environment with cafes and historical architecture to enjoy.
The region showcases a blend of historical architectural styles. You'll find impressive Gothic architecture at the Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre, with its soaring vaults. The Place Surugue and Cadet Roussel Fountain and Saint Nicholas Square feature charming old half-timbered houses, providing a glimpse into traditional regional building styles. The Abbaye Saint-Germain also displays various architectural phases, reflecting its long history.
The Place Surugue and Cadet Roussel Fountain is a popular spot with cafes and restaurants. Nearby, Rue du Temple, which begins at the square, is known for its small shops. For those with a sweet tooth, the chocolatier Olivier Vidal (best chocolate maker in France in 2007) is located in this area. You can also find a supermarket (Monoprix) hidden behind a clothing department near Place Surugue for convenience.
While the immediate attractions around Perrigny focus on historical sites, the region is characterized by the scenic Yonne River. The Paul Bert Bridge offers excellent views of the river. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Auxerrois region and the Canal du Nivernais.
Visitors frequently praise the impressive architecture of the Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre, noting its incredibly high Gothic vaults and the lasting experience it provides. The Abbaye Saint-Germain is appreciated for its historical depth, with many recommending ample time to explore its museum and archaeological crypt. The charming atmosphere of Place Surugue and Cadet Roussel Fountain, with its half-timbered houses and cafes, is also a highlight for many.
Yes, the Cadet Roussel Fountain on Place Surugue commemorates Guillaume Roussel, a bailiff from Auxerre (1743-1807), who is believed to be the inspiration for the famous French folk song "Cadet Roussel." The Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre is dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first martyr of early Christianity. The Abbaye Saint-Germain was founded by Bishop Germanus of Auxerre in the 5th century.


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