Auxerre

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Saint Stephen's Cathedral of Auxerre

Saint Stephen's Cathedral of Auxerre

3.1
5.0/5
5 reviews
Auxerre · 115m from downtown
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

10
4.7/5
2.5k reviews
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris stands on the Île de la Cité on the banks of the Seine, built approx. between 1163 and 1250, and has witnessed the historical changes of Paris. This Gothic-style cathedral is world-famous due to the poetic description by French writer Victor Hugo in his novel of the same name, "Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris". Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris stands on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine, with construction beginning in 1163 and largely completed by the mid-13th century. It is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and widely known due to Victor Hugo's novel of the same name. A fire in 2019 destroyed its spire and wooden roof structure, but after years of restoration, the cathedral reopened to visitors in December 2024, with the bell tower's summit access resuming shortly after. This phoenix-like structure has regained its status as one of Paris's most popular destinations. The cathedral's façade features three portals adorned with reliefs and statues depicting biblical stories, along with a row of royal stone figures, showcasing Gothic sculptural artistry at its finest. Inside, the restored stone walls and vaulted ceilings, now free of centuries-old soot, appear strikingly bright, while the three rose windows dazzle with color—particularly the southern one. The grand organ, with nearly 8,000 pipes and restored over several years, is equally worth admiring. Climbing the bell tower is a highlight: visitors ascend over 400 steps, passing the fantastical "gallery of chimeras" added during 19th-century renovations, where stone carvings of beasts and mythical creatures perch at railings—including the famous pensive "Stryge" gazing over Paris. The 17th-century "Emmanuel" bell, weighing over ten tons and rarely rung except on major occasions, can also be seen. From the nearly 70 m-high rooftop terrace, panoramic views encompass both banks of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Sacré-Cœur, while the restored wooden framework and rebuilt spire can be examined up close between the towers. Practical tips: The tower climb requires moderate physical fitness, with narrow stairs and some crouch-walking sections; advance reservations for time slots are recommended due to limited capacity. Beneath the square in front lies the Crypte Archéologique de l'Île de la Cité, displaying urban relics from Roman times onward, with its entrance on the square. As the cathedral remains an active place of worship, visitors are asked to maintain quiet during masses.France · Paris
Seine River
No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in France

Seine River

9.8
4.8/5
2k reviews
Dividing Paris into the right bank and the left bank, the Seine is the city's main river. The majority of Paris's most interesting historical sites are all located on the banks of the Seine. You can take a tourist boat for a short cruise up the Seine to enjoy the scenic beauty of both banks, including many places of interest such as the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame de Paris and the Eiffel Tower.France · Paris
La Tour de l'Horloge

La Tour de l'Horloge

2.9
Auxerre · 387m from downtown
Ile de la Cite
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in France

Ile de la Cite

8.6
5.0/5
210 reviews
Ile de la Cite is a natural island in the Seine River in Paris, and along with the adjacent Ile Saint-Louis to the east, it is one of only two natural islands in the Seine. This island is considered the birthplace of Paris—Gallic tribes settled here as early as the pre-Christian era, walls were built on the island during the Roman era, and King Clovis I of the Franks established a royal palace here in the early 6th century. For centuries thereafter, it remained the religious and political center of Paris. Today, strolling through the cobblestone streets of the island, you can still feel the layers of history. The island is home to several iconic medieval buildings. Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris is located at the eastern end of the island and is a representative example of French Gothic architecture, famous for its facade carvings and rose windows. Sainte-Chapelle is renowned for its towering stained-glass windows, which fill the hall with colorful light when the sun shines through. La Conciergerie was originally part of the royal palace and was converted into a prison during the French Revolution; today, it preserves its spectacular Gothic vaulted halls for visitors to explore. Between the cathedral and the prison, there is an open-air flower market that has continued since the early 19th century, with iron-framed stalls filled with colorful flowers all year round. The entire island can be explored on foot, making it perfect for combining with a stroll along the banks of the Seine.France · Paris
Tuileries Garden
2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Tuileries Garden

8.4
4.8/5
361 reviews
Tuileries Garden is bordered by the Louvre Museum to the east, Place de la Concorde to the west, and the Seine River to the south. It was originally commissioned by Queen Catherine de' Medici and later redesigned by court landscape architect Le Nôtre into a formal French garden. The central avenue runs east-west, flanked by symmetrically arranged, neatly trimmed flower beds and chestnut tree-lined paths, forming an important part of the Paris historical axis that extends from the Louvre Museum to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. Since the 18th century, various sculptures and vases have been displayed in the garden, totaling about 140 pieces to date, earning it the reputation of an open-air museum. The subjects of the sculptures cover ancient Roman historical figures and Greek mythology; many are by famous artists, while some are replicas of pieces in the Louvre Museum collection. The octagonal pond at the western end of the garden is surrounded by 12 sculptures themed around ancient myths and fables, with a fountain in the center where wild ducks often play on the water. The chairs placed around the pond can be moved freely, allowing visitors to sit and rest, experiencing a park leisure style that Parisians have followed for centuries. The garden also houses the Musee de l'Orangerie and the Jeu de Paume, which feature Monet's "Water Lilies" and contemporary video art, respectively. The entire garden is perfect for a stroll; walking along the tree-lined avenues or sitting by the ponds are classic ways to experience urban life in Paris.France · Paris
Musée du Parfum Fragonard
No. 19 of Best Things to Do in France

Musée du Parfum Fragonard

7.9
4.9/5
341 reviews
Musée du Parfum Fragonard was founded by the French perfume house Fragonard. Born in 1926 in Grasse, the perfume capital, the brand opened this museum in a Napoleon III-style mansion next to the Paris Opera as early as 1983. The museum still preserves the original furniture and decor. This building served as a theater in the 19th century, was once converted into a cycling school for Parisians, and later operated by British merchants for over a century before being fully handed over to Fragonard in 2014. Walking up the mansion's staircase while experiencing the fragrances and exhibits, the combination of classical opulence and olfactory sensations creates a unique charm that sets it apart from ordinary museums. The museum clearly explains the journey of a perfume bottle from raw materials to finished product: the curiosity cabinet displays old objects like spice ingredients, plant specimens, and measuring tools, while an interactive map takes you on an olfactory journey to discover representative fragrance materials from five continents, such as osmanthus from China, bergamot from Italy, and sandalwood from Australia. The distillery exhibition recreates the scene of an early 20th-century perfume factory, with vintage stills, old photos, and video materials demonstrating how floral materials are step-by-step extracted into essential oils. Particularly eye-catching is the perfumer's organ-shaped blending table, with rows of ingredient bottles arranged in tiered circles around a central scale, showcasing the perfumer's daily work. The collection spans from ancient Egypt to the 20th century, featuring antique perfume bottles, scent boxes, incense burners, smelling salt bottles, and travel vanity cases, revealing the craftsmanship of artisans throughout history. The visiting route follows the incense-making process. The museum is compact and can be explored in about half an hr, making it ideal to connect with your itinerary around the opera house. The olfactory exhibition features scent-identification games to test your ability to distinguish aromas. Travelers who want hands-on experience can also join the perfume-blending workshop to create their own signature fragrance under a perfumer's guidance and take it home.France · Paris
Lake Geneva
No. 6 of Fall Viewing Attractions in France

Lake Geneva

7.5
4.7/5
555 reviews
Lake Geneva is located on the border between Switzerland and France, nestled between the Alps in a crescent shape, with approx. 60% of its waters within Switzerland. The lake water is clear and blue, with distant snow-capped mountains reflected in it, forming a typical view of theAlpine region. Numerous views and landmarks are distributed along the lakeshore. Chillon Castle, built on a rock in the lake, has stood for nearly a thousand years and is one of Switzerland's famous medieval buildings, and Byron once wrote a famous long poem about it. The towns along the shore each have their own charm. Geneva blends modern urban vibes with historical heritage, and Montreux is known for its pleasant lakeside climate. Taking a boat cruise on the lake is a classic way to enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Geneva and the scenery on both shores. In summer, you can enjoy water activities such as sailing and kayaking on the lake, while in winter, you can head to the nearbyAlpine regionto ski.Switzerland · Saint-Prex
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
2026 Europe 50 - Night Attractions

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

7
4.7/5
2.4k reviews
Avenue des Champs-Élysées is an iconic avenue in Paris. It starts from Place de la Concorde in the east and extends to Place Charles de Gaulle in the west, with the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile standing at the end of the street, spanning a total length of approx. 1.9 km. It is divided into two sections by the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées in the middle, each with a distinct atmosphere. The eastern section is a garden-like promenade, where large lawns, flower beds, and fountains are dotted among dense street trees. The sides are lined with 19th-century buildings, complemented by vintage street lamps and green newsstands, making for a quiet and leisurely walk where you can truly experience the daily life of old Paris. Exhibition buildings such as the Petit Palais and the Grand Palais are located next to the gardens in this section; the western section is the commercial heart of the avenue, with cinemas, cafes, and restaurants side by side, featuring dense shop windows and a bustling atmosphere that exudes a Parisian sense of luxury.France · Paris
Vallée de la Pétrusse
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Luxembourg

Vallée de la Pétrusse

6.6
4.4/5
109 reviews
Vallée de la Pétrusse is also known asVallée de la Pétrusse, a rift about 100 m wide and about 60 m deep that runs across Luxembourg City, naturally separating the high ground of the old town from the new district by the train station. The gorge once served as Luxembourg City's natural barrier, and remnants of fortifications such as bastions, gun ports, and secret passages still remain between the cliffs. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994. Today the gorge has returned to nature, with towering trees spreading layers of green shade and the Pétrusse stream quietly flowing along the valley floor. Stone steps from the plaza side lead all the way down to the valley floor, and along the shaded path you can look up to see the Pont Adolphe spanning the gorge and the arch of the old bridge. The path is gentle, suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. If you only want to view it from a distance, stand on the plaza or on the bridge spanning the gorge and the canyon's greenery and the old town roofs will appear in the same view. On misty mornings, the valley floor is shrouded in fog, which further accentuates the canyon's depth. In summer, you can also take the open-air sightseeing train Pétrusse express and, with commentary, view the canyon's military remains and natural scenery.Luxembourg · Luxembourg City

Experiences you can't miss in Auxerre

Featured Day tours in Auxerre

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Chablis Clotilde Davenne visit and tasting in english
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 80 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromPHP 1,208.75PHP 1,272.37
Chablis: Visit of the Grand Cru vineyard
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4.7/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromPHP 3,357.62PHP 3,534.34
Château de Fontainebleau & Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: Daytrip from Paris
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FromPHP 5,937.69
Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket
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4.6/5
· 35 reviews
Duration: 1–2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
94.3% of travelers recommend
FromPHP 829.51
Château de Fontainebleau & Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: Guided Tour from Paris
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FromPHP 15,551.09

Featured Cultural experiences in Auxerre

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Auxerre Audio Tour: Timeless Towers and Sacred Stones
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
Filipino
Free cancellation
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20% off
Limited-time sale
FromPHP 282.18PHP 352.73
Provins Audio Tour: Towers, Roses, and Medieval Echoes
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Duration: 1 hr
Filipino
Free cancellation
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20% off
Limited-time sale
FromPHP 367.00PHP 458.76
Nevers Audio Tour: Legends, Loops, and the Echoes of Nobles
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Duration: 2 hrs
Filipino
Free cancellation
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20% off
Limited-time sale
FromPHP 451.83PHP 564.79
Sens Audio Tour: Echoes of Bishops, Romans, and Hidden Chapels
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
Filipino
Free cancellation
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20% off
Limited-time sale
FromPHP 282.18PHP 352.73

Free things to do in Auxerre

What travelers say about Auxerre

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From ParisApril 29, 2026
5.0
I can honestly say that I like this cathedral more than any other I've ever visited. It has a calm atmosphere, grandeur, and a charming, old-world feel. There aren't many tourists, so you can enjoy a leisurely and peaceful visit. Admission is free, and the surrounding area is very quiet, making it perfect for a stroll.

Saint Stephen's Cathedral of Auxerre

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Anonymous userAugust 1, 2026
5.0
I came to Paris with my family, initially thinking that seeing the architecture and taking photos at Notre Dame would be enough. However, since we were already there, I decided to try a Chinese-speaking guided tour. This decision proved to be absolutely right. It was probably the most worthwhile guided tour of our entire European trip, as I learned a lot of religious knowledge I didn't know before. The guide, I think his surname was Li, spoke very naturally, not just reading from a textbook, but connecting the history, architecture, religious stories, and development of Notre Dame with the development of Paris, incorporating a lot of information. Many things I initially thought I wouldn't understand became clear after listening. Especially the stories of the sculptures, rose windows, and fire restoration – seeing them after hearing them made all the difference. Europe is full of churches, and not understanding them can be quite frustrating. After today's tour, I felt like I had a sudden enlightenment. There was a small regret, though: some areas inside Notre Dame aren't free and require separate admission. We met at 4:30 PM today, and waited in line for 10 minutes to enter. The pace of the tour was excellent; the content was rich but not tiring, and there was no feeling of being rushed. We could ask questions anytime during the tour, and the guide patiently answered them. He was highly professional and very approachable. Today, after the Notre Dame tour, we also visited the Latin Quarter of Shakespeare and Company. This wasn't part of the tour itinerary, but the teacher gave us extra time for free because we enjoyed it. By the way, you can also pay to climb to the top of Notre Dame, but the kids couldn't climb, so we skipped it... Afterwards, we went back inside Notre Dame on our own and watched a mass. We found that because we had the guided tour, we understood many parts much better than before when we just took photos. If it's your first time in Paris, I highly recommend not trying to see it on your own. Notre Dame is free, but the guided tour is definitely worth it; it significantly enhances the entire experience. It was one of the most worthwhile activities on our trip, and I've already recommended it to anyone planning a trip to Paris. Also, try to go after 4:30 PM, otherwise the square gets very sunny. Also, Notre Dame has a dress code; you can't wear anything too revealing...

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

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M33***51October 11, 2026
4.0
The food was mediocre and not worth the price, but the scenery was nice; we saw the entire Seine River in two hours. The service was poor; the set meal included a bottle of wine, and after I finished the first glass the waiter poured for me, it took 20 minutes for them to refill it.

Seine River

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YoYo_0T9A3B0LJanuary 2, 2026
5.0
Île de la Cité truly lives up to its reputation as the historical heart of Paris! Standing in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, one can deeply feel the grandeur and vicissitudes of the medieval architecture. The winding, weathered alleyways on the island seem to carry the weight of time with every step. Although Notre Dame is still under restoration, its rose windows and towers remain breathtaking. A stroll along the verdant Pont Neuf in the evening, watching the Seine shimmer and flow, truly evokes a sense of romance and tranquility that transcends centuries.

Ile de la Cite

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学校🏫July 2, 2025
5.0
## Tuileries Garden: Is it worth going? Highlights and pitfalls **Is it worth going? ** **A Parisian "lying flat" sanctuary! ** The royal garden is open to the public for free, and it is an oasis of respite during the rush, but if you just check in, you will miss the soul - you need to rent a green chair and stare blankly for half an hour to understand its true meaning. **Exclusive highlights:** 1. **Light and shadow art scene:** - **Central fountain pool** Parisians sitting around sunbathing, watching small sailboats racing with cloud shadows, and encountering puppet shows on Sundays; - **Chestnut Avenue** Autumn leaves spread golden carpets, and willow catkins fly like snow in late spring. 2. **Sculpture blind box:** Rodin's "The Kiss" is hidden in the shade of the northwest corner, and Maillol's bronze female statues are scattered in the grass, forming a surreal picture with morning joggers. 3. **Secret Easter Eggs:** - **Orangerie Museum secret door** (directly connected to Monet's Water Lily Hall on the west side of the garden); - **Ferris wheel in the amusement park** When the night lights are on, take a photo of the floating wonder of the Louvre Pyramid in the rotating car. **Avoid pits:** - Green chairs **are not free! ** Rent a card machine for €3/hour (deposit €20), choose a poolside seat; - Fountain water is not drinking water, bring your own water bottle to fill **Wallace drinking fountain** (cast iron green column); - Beware of **"friendship bracelet" scammers** (common at the entrance of Place de la Concorde); - Stone roads hurt your feet, wear thick-soled shoes! **Summary:** The Tuileries is the breathing valve of Paris - chewing baguettes among the sculptures of the afterglow of the empire, watching children chasing the sails, you will understand what "French living art" is. Reserve 2 hours + picnic equipment, more Paris than rushing to the attractions! (Word count: 198) --- **☕ Local gameplay:** Grab **Angelina** takeout chestnut cake before 10am and eat it with hot chocolate while sitting by the fountain; bring red wine and wait for the **Obelisk of the Place de la Concorde** to be reflected in the pool at sunset, and wait for the moment when the Ferris wheel lights up with purple light.

Tuileries Garden

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_TI***65November 1, 2025
5.0
we had a workshop and it was very fun.the guide was perfect and the whole experience was super easy!

Musée du Parfum Fragonard

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yankeJuly 17, 2025
5.0
Lake Geneva, which shares the same name as the city, is very vast, with a sapphire-like color and sparkling in the sun. From Geneva Airport, you can take a train to Nyon, a small town on the shore of Lake Geneva. The hotel rooms there are large, and the lake view rooms also have terraces to enjoy the lake view. The breakfast is very rich and cost-effective. From the dock in Nyon, you can take a boat to the French flower town opposite and experience the fun of crossing two countries in half an hour. The price of the flower town is lower than that of Switzerland, and it is very pleasant to enjoy authentic French food there.

Lake Geneva

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_TI***agSeptember 1, 2026
5.0
Stepping into the courtyard, my gaze was immediately drawn to the bamboo shadows in the corner. The verdant branches leaned over the eaves, filtering the dappled sunlight into a shower of stars. At night, when I opened the window, a bright moon hung perfectly above the bamboo tips, its gentle light bathing half the bed, even the bedding exuding a faint moonlit scent. During the day, leaning against the window, I would read a few pages of a book, the bamboo breeze flowing through the room, shutting out all the noise of the outside world. My heart felt gently cradled, finally free from the rush of life, even my dreams were filled with the delicate fragrance of flowers. After a few days here, I felt as if every corner of this place had been cut from an ancient painting, peaceful and serene year after year, every step treading on delicate joys, making this journey to find this encounter truly worthwhile.

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

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吃饭了没上市January 5, 2022
5.0
The Petros Canyon, also known as the Luxembourg Grand Canyon, is one of the world's famous scenic spots. It is about 100 meters wide and 60 meters deep, naturally dividing Luxembourg City into two urban areas, the new and old areas in the north and south. Constitution Square is the best place to view the Grand Canyon and the scenery on both sides. Opposite the Grand Canyon, there is a palace-like building located in the green, which looks particularly magnificent. It is the Luxembourg National Savings Bank. At its north end is a tall pointed round bell tower, and on both sides are medieval buildings with only roofs visible.

Vallée de la Pétrusse

Popular cities near Auxerre

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Auxerre?

Don't miss these attractions in Auxerre: Saint Stephen's Cathedral of Auxerre, Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, and Seine River. If you like Food & drink, try Chablis Clotilde Davenne visit and tasting in english. If you enjoy Day tours, try Chablis Clotilde Davenne visit and tasting in english.

You can give Chablis Clotilde Davenne visit and tasting in english and Chablis: Visit of the Grand Cru vineyard a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Chablis Clotilde Davenne visit and tasting in english, Chablis: Visit of the Grand Cru vineyard, and Château de Fontainebleau & Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: Daytrip from Paris. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 18, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Auxerre is around PHP 829.51 – PHP 15,551.09. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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