At the heart of the Puisaye, Toucy delights lovers of old buildings as well as admirers of authentic countryside. Picturesque half-timbered houses line the narrow streets of the lower town and upper town. The town has many flourishing art galleries, and Galerie 14 exhibits work by international artists. Located in a former cycle factory, the Atelier Bernasse workshop is a treat for admirers of beautiful machines, with its collections of engines and vintage vehicles.

The surprising Church of St. Peter in Toucy, backing onto the 12th-century fortifications, overlooks the town. The chevet of this sandstone fortress is flanked by two towers, linked by a wall walk, and the ramparts and pretty façades of the traditional houses make for an appealing setting.

There is an area dedicated to Pierre Larousse at the library. This former teacher and publisher of the famous dictionary was born and grew up in Toucy.

The area around the town of Toucy is ideal for a scenic outing, and the 9-kilometre journey through the hedgerows and forests on board the Pays de Puisaye-Forterre sightseeing train is sure to delight children and adults alike! And every year in July, the unmissable Toucy Jazz Festival enchants music-lovers with its concerts by talented artists.

Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, birthplace of the famous novelist Colette, also has many other attractions to hold visitors' attention! Not far from there, the Puisaye Cyclorail route and the Pays de Puisaye-Forterre sightseeing train offer fun ways to discover the charm of the surrounding area.

La Poèterie, a bohemian venue with industrial architecture, is home to an artists' village offering café culture, concerts, exhibitions, shows and various workshops.

In the centre of the village is a heritage museum dedicated to the art of blacksmithing. In the surrounding area, there are several interesting buildings to explore, including the 11th-century keep, ovoid in shape and also known as the Saracen tower, three fortified enclosures, pretty houses and a church dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, remarkable for having no bell tower.

On a street in the town centre, the house where Colette was born was restored and opened to the public in 2016. The museum devoted to her has been based at Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye Castle since 1995, not far from her former home. In its inventive exhibitions, it charts her life and works, with photos, belongings and a film documenting her childhood and career. The living room and bedroom of her flat in the Palais-Royal have been reconstructed with her furniture, and many extracts from her works can be found in the imaginary library. After visiting these two cultural sites dedicated to the illustrious writer, a stroll along the poetic Colette trail is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of her stories about her native land.

This charming spot in Burgundy is named after the springs of the Druyes, which are abundant in the municipality's territory. In the late 12th century, a castle fort was built by the Counts of Nevers on a hill overlooking the valley. Now a listed Historic Monument, the medieval fortress is the pride of this village, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Yonne! At the entrance to this former prince's palace, you are greeted by an imposing 14th-century postern, from the top of which the view is breathtaking and includes the Puisaye and the borders of the Morvan. Accessible via a discovery trail or a guided tour, the remains of Druyes Castle will take you back in time to discover a beautiful medieval complex, built to a square plan and made up of curtain walls, towers and a Romanesque gallery with arches and geminated bays, evidence of the presence of the seigneurial dwelling at one time.

At the foot of the castle, picturesque lanes, typical houses, a 12th-century Romanesque church and a 19th-century washhouse create a restful scene in an old village that's a pleasure to wander around. Not far from the church, don't miss a visit to the site of the Druyes springs, an idyllic and charming place that will delight children and adults alike with its pond surrounded by greenery, lawns to relax on and a children's play area. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers will want to head to the old railway viaduct for a spot of bungee jumping!

Situated between Paris and Dijon, in the north-west of Burgundy, Auxerre is the capital of Yonne and boasts an exceptional medieval historical heritage. The pedestrian quarter of the city is full of half-timbered houses, some of which are decorated with carved figures.

Once an episcopal city, Auxerre is now a listed City of Art and History with a number of majestic religious buildings. Overlooking the quays of the Yonne, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephen, a listed Historic Monument, stands out for its remarkable sculpted portals, splendid stained glass windows with medallions and a Romanesque crypt adorned with superb ancient frescoes.

Carolingian crypts from the 9th century known as the "Holy Caves", decorated with frescoes that are still visible today, can also be found in the former Benedictine Abbey of St. Germanus. In this beautiful monastic complex founded in the 5th century, you can admire the chapter house, cloister, cellar and prison tower, as well as the splendid St. John Tower which escaped destruction.

The 12th-century Church of St. Eusebius is another of the city's architectural treasures. Its Romanesque bell tower, Renaissance choir and superb 16th-century stained glass windows are sure to appeal to heritage-lovers. The historic centre of Auxerre has many other sights to offer visitors, such as the 15th-century Clock Tower in the Flamboyant style, surrounded by typical façades, or Place Charles Surugue with its cute, colourful houses and its fountain decorated with a statue of Cadet Roussel, a famous figure in the city's history. Take your time to admire the half-timbered houses with carved details, mansions, Renaissance dwellings and Art Deco buildings.

This attractive and eminently cultural destination is also home to many museums. The St. Germanus Museum, in the abbey, tells the story of the city and the region; the Leblanc-Duvernoy Museum houses a very fine collection of faience as well as Beauvais tapestries from the 18th century. The Natural History Museum is a certified Museum of France with exhibitions about the region's present and past biodiversity, as well as a pleasant French formal garden which makes an ideal place to relax.

At the foot of the Abbey of St. Germanus, you will find the unmissable Place Saint-Nicolas. A gem of the Marine quarter, this square has beautiful houses, a charming fountain, shops and restaurants. Not far from there, a footbridge over the Yonne will offer you a stunning view of Auxerre. And from the bridge, you can contemplate a vast panorama including the footbridge, the banks of the Yonne, the harbour and the historic centre's superb buildings. The quays of the Yonne have been landscaped to create a pleasant place to relax or take a stroll, but you can also opt to board a boat for a cruise, to discover the city and its outskirts from another angle!

Since 1997, people have been building an incredible castle fort, stone by stone, in the heart of the Guédelon forest, near the village of Treigny in the Puisaye. This incredible project is being carried out by some forty talented artisans, assisted each year by numerous interns and volunteers called temporary builders. Fortified enclosure and defensive towers, seigniorial living quarters, chapel, wall walk... everything is built according to the methods and materials used in the 12th and 13th centuries.

You can visit to watch the builders at work. Around the castle under construction, you can stop in front of the various workshops (forge, stone-cutting, tile-making, carpentry, pottery, dyeing, etc.) and ask questions of the expert artisans. Children and adults alike can take part in the stone-cutting workshops, and everyone can take home a souvenir made on the spot. Immersed in the sights and sounds of a medieval building site, you'll learn the secret of cob or lime walls, use of natural pigments, rope braiding, and many other techniques!

This colossal project, which serves educational and historical purposes while encouraging tourism, also focuses on scientific and ecological issues. It attempts to answer many questions about the art of building, and explores ethical methods that are more respectful of natural resources. It's a topic of study for the green builders of tomorrow, and strives to be as authentic as possible in all the techniques used.

Tourism helps the project to support itself financially: one more reason not to miss this exceptional place with something for all the family!

In Treigny-Perreuse-Sainte-Colombe, on the preserved lands of the Puisaye, Ratilly Castle reveals its magnificent medieval architecture in the heart of a peaceful and green environment. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of an 11th-century fortress, this remarkable building features majestic towers and superb ochre stone walls. The dry moat surrounding the castle, the guard room with its beautiful Renaissance fireplace and the magnificent dovecote with its wooden revolving ladder also contribute to the charm of the place.

It has a particularly rich history, from its medieval origins onwards. During the Wars of Religion, it sheltered the Huguenots, and in the 18th century, it welcomed the persecuted Jansenists. Today, the Friends of Ratilly association continues the work begun in 1951 by Jeanne and Norbert Pierlot. The pair started a pottery workshop here, with courses and cultural activities, which became one of the very first contemporary art centres in France. Its traditional Puisaye stoneware pottery studio, open to visitors, is renowned. A place of exchange and expression, the Ratilly Centre for Living Art hosts contemporary art exhibitions and courses every year, as well as original concerts and shows.

Located in the charming Yonne Valley, 30 kilometres south of Auxerre, the fortified town of Mailly-le-Château is not to be missed. Be sure to drop by and enjoy its old buildings, beautiful scenery and attractive riverbanks! Explore and discover the many attractions of this welcoming village of two halves.

In the upper village stands the castle with its medieval ramparts, perched on the cliff overlooking the houses below. Near the castle, which consists of five buildings, a terrace with an orientation table offers a magnificent view over the meanders of the Yonne, the Nivernais Canal and the green landscapes all around! Not far from this remarkable viewpoint stands the fortified Church of St. Adrian, dating from the 13th century and listed as a Historic Monument. It is remarkable for having three naves and an unusual Gothic façade framed by two high buttresses.

In the lower village, which can be reached by walking down the steep path, the houses nestle peacefully by the river. This picturesque place is enhanced by the old bridge over the Yonne, as well as the pretty Wolf's Fountain (Fontaine au Loup). The name refers to a story about child-eating wolves dating from the 18th century... Beneath a flagstone roof, the small Chapel of St. Nicholas, patron saint of bargemen, is listed as a Historic Monument and stands on one of the columns of the double humpback bridge. Dating from the 15th century, this is the oldest bridge in the department. From this location, you can admire a beautiful view of the waterside houses and Mailly Castle towering proudly over it all.

At the eastern exit from the village, the little cemetery chapel dedicated to St. Simeon features Romanesque bays and frescoes.

In the Bois du Parc nature reserve, which is popular with walkers and botanists, the cliffs, fossilised coral reef and remarkable plants are all fascinating sights. In these landscapes, which are over 150 million years old, you can enjoy a novel journey back in time by following the discovery path, reading the information signs along the way.

Located in the Yonne region of Burgundy, the Church of St. Germanus in La Ferté-Loupière, built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style before being altered several times over the years, contains some magnificent, well-preserved mural paintings. These are not frescoes but paintings on dry plaster. Its Danse Macabre, produced in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, is one of only eight known to exist in France and is considered one of the most prestigious in Europe! Biblical scenes such as the Tale of the Three Living and the Three Dead, St. Michael slaying the dragon and the Virgin of the Annunciation can also be seen here.

The Danse Macabre at La Ferté-Loupière is an exceptional pictorial ensemble, spanning 25 metres in length and comprising 42 figures representing all strata of the social hierarchy. Because these burlesque scenes were rather impertinent, the ecclesiastical community demanded that the Danse be covered with whitewash, an initiative that ended up saving the work for posterity. It was rediscovered in 1910, and the church was listed as a Historic Monument the following year.

After visiting, be sure to take a walk in the priory garden by the church. Embellished with colourful perennials and aromatic plants, this haven of peace is an inviting place to stroll and meditate...

Located in Treigny-Perreuse-Sainte-Colombe, 9 kilometres from Saint-Fargeau in the heart of the verdant Puisaye, the Boutissaint Nature Park covers 400 hectares of wooded countryside. Its remarkable forest is made up of a wide variety of species, including beech, Douglas fir, spruce, chestnut and even centuries-old oak trees such as the St. Louis oak, which has a circumference of over four metres!

This huge forest area is home to as many animals as there are hectares, with almost 400 European animals roaming freely there. The reclusive inhabitants of the woods (hinds, roe deer, large stags...) play hide-and-seek with visitors, who always have a chance of spotting these amazing creatures. Large enclosures are home to wild boar, bison, fallow deer and mouflons, while pygmy goats and unusual hens can be admired in their own living areas. It's a joy to be immersed in this magical world, between animals and trees, clearings and marshes, where each season brings its own colour palette...

For more athletic visitors, there are ten or so treetop rope courses for varying levels of ability, so anyone wishing to can scale the heights. From little hanging bridges to 200-metre-long ziplines, there is something for all tastes and all ages! A pretty chapel graces the entrance to the estate, and fishing enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the lake.

At the heart of the Puisaye, in Yonne, an architectural gem can be found: Saint-Fargeau Castle, whose first stone was laid in the 10th century. Rebuilt in the 15th century, this majestic pink brick fortress was also remodelled in the 17th century, when Louis XIV's first cousin, Anne-­Marie-Louise d'Orléans, known as La Grande Mademoiselle, was forced to stay there. She was sentenced to exile in Saint-Fargeau from 1652 to 1657 following the events of the Fronde.

Now a listed Historic Monument, the castle is open to the public from April to mid-November and offers night-time tours by candlelight in the summer. On Friday and Saturday evenings from mid-July to mid-August, the imposing building flanked by large towers is enhanced by a fabulous sound and light show that tells the story of the site.

Through its elegant inner courtyard redesigned by the architect François Le Vau in the 17th century, its furnished apartments, guard room, chapel, toy loft and recreation of La Grande Mademoiselle's bedroom, visitors travel through ten centuries of history. The highlight of the visit, however, is probably its ancient attics, which form a most impressive whole!

For a nice way to round off this journey through time, enjoy a stroll in the wonderful English country garden-style park spanning 120 hectares. An ornamental lake, centuries-old trees and vintage steam locomotives are among the attractions you can admire on your walk.

A short walk from the castle, the Clock Tower is also worth a look. The only remnant of the first wall that surrounded Saint-Fargeau, this 15th-century belfry offers a beautiful view over the village rooftops and the castle.

In Valravillon, Yonne, the Laduz Museum of Folk Art is a true place of remembrance and heritage preservation that documents the daily life of rural civilisation. Through their eclectic collections, representing 50 years of research and collecting, the painter Raymond Humbert and his wife Jacqueline have taken a nostalgic and poetic look at life in the countryside before 1914.

Popular creativity is exemplified by thousands of objects, works of art and sculptures, more or less unusual, representing the diverse and varied trades of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. The wonderful antique toy room will be of interest to all ages. Children will be wide-eyed in front of the countless wooden, metal and cardboard toys, arranged by theme, and their grandparents will be moved by the memories they bring back.

Laduz Museum also hosts exhibitions of work by contemporary artists on the theme of folk art and crafts using simple and modest materials. Alongside this, it offers creative workshops for children using different materials such as wood, stone, weaving fibres and plants.

Faulin Castle is a beautiful late 15th-century building situated opposite the Yonne Valley, at the foot of a hill in Lichères-sur-Yonne. It is a private property but can be visited by appointment, on selected dates and during the Heritage Days. In Gothic and Renaissance style, the elegant manor house has nevertheless retained its defensive identity with its dry moat and imposing rampart, as well as pieces of ordnance, bretèches, murder holes and arrowslits.

It is home to the Museum of Medieval Technical Innovation, created by an engineer with a fascination for history and mechanics. This educational attraction is organised in the form of themed workshops on medieval inventions in various fields (agriculture, astronomy, clock-making, printing, etc.). In addition to the information in the guide, which includes the background to the exhibits, the public can handle the objects and try their hand at some activities of yesteryear, such as dyeing wool or printing sheets.

Climbing fans staying in Burgundy must be sure not to miss the wonderful Saussois Rocks site in Merry-sur-Yonne, thirty kilometres or so south of Auxerre.

Over 60 metres tall, these limestone walls have been scaled by many climbers since the 1950s. Back then, great mountaineers regularly came to train there as well as high-level climbers, which lead to the opening of some very difficult routes, reserved for experienced athletes. 200 routes from grades 4c to 8c are available: a good level of ability is required!

From the top of the cliffs, there is an untrammelled view of the Yonne Valley and the village of Merry-sur-Yonne, bordered by the river and the Nivernais Canal. With a bit of luck, maybe you will be able to see a majestic peregrine falcon from this protected site? Below, along the canal, the pleasant towpath converted into a greenway awaits fans of walking, cycling and rollerblading.

Pottery in Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye is a secular tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Several sites, open to the public, display this ancestral skill:

The Stoneware Museum, based in a Renaissance castle which is a listed Historic Monument, tells the story of pottery in Puisaye, through superb collections of utilitarian and decorative stoneware pieces from the Carriès school;

The Potters Memorial House has displays of traditional Puisaye pottery, telling the story of the life and work of the potters of yesteryear, and offers throwing demonstrations;

The Jacques-Jeanneney Ceramics Centre, a place for ceramicists to meet and exchange information, hosts exhibitions and courses.

As well as these places of discovery, you'll find artistic craft workshops whose diverse creations will delight ceramics lovers!

The old stoneware market on Easter weekend, the pottery market on Ascension weekend, and the contemporary stoneware market in August are highlights in the annual calendar of Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye.

An old medieval town located at the confluence of the Yonne and the Beuvron, bordering the Nivernais Canal, the small town of Clamecy was once the capital of wood-floating to Paris. A rich heritage remains from its feudal past and the glorious age of wood-floating, which lasted for around four centuries - from 1549 to 1923.

Its old centre, a listed protected area, is an invitation to discovery, with its old timber-framed houses, such as the Weaver's House, and its Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, a gem of Gothic art, topped with a majestic tower. After wandering the banks of the Beuvron and strolling along the picturesque streets of the historical quarter, head towards the River Yonne to admire the unusual Church of Notre-Dame-de-Bethléem, which carries the 20th century Heritage label. Not far from there, you can walk along the towpath of the Nivernais Canal.

As the birthplace of Romain Rolland, a famous writer who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1915, it is only natural that Clamecy should be home to the Romain Rolland Museum of Art and History, which is based at the Bellegarde Mansion and includes a space dedicated to the man of letters who was born in Clamecy. It also features exhibits on wood-floating, which once made the town prosperous.

North of Avallon, the dark waters of the Cure wind their way through the wonderful wooded valley that bears the river's name. This tributary of the Yonne, whose source is in the Morvan, enters the Yonne department at Quarré-les-Tombes and crosses the Avallonnais under the three bridges in the picturesque village of Pierre-Perthuis. One of these, the Ternos Bridge, was restored in 1925 and was used as a location for a scene in the film La Grande Vadrouille.

The green and peaceful Cure Valley has a various interesting places to see. The characterful village of Arcy-sur-Cure is renowned for its prehistoric caves, which are listed as a Historic Monument and Archaeological Site of National Interest. The only one open to the public is the Great Cave (Grande Grotte), which contains some exceptional cave paintings. The humpback bridge over the Cure is another curiosity of Arcy, as is Chastenay manor, built in the 16th century within an old fortified enclosure and nowadays a listed Historic Monument. This elegant building boasts a beautiful Renaissance façade adorned with a tower and turret, and is remarkable for its splendid carvings, on the porch in particular.

Dracy Castle, a medieval site rebuilt in 1735, is worth a look. Also be sure to drop by the Cistercian abbey of Reigny in Vermenton, which stands proudly in its leafy surroundings by the river. Founded in 1128, it features a superb 14th-century refectory which still has its polychrome decorations, and a 17th-century dovecote with 3,500 terracotta pigeonholes. Surrounded by 14 hectares of countryside, Reigny Abbey is a great place to visit and enjoy a walk, as well as a venue for exhibitions, conferences and concerts.

A charming town on the banks of the Yonne, Joigny proudly displays its splendid half-timbered houses, built from the trees of the nearby Othe forest. One of them, the Pillory House, with its sculpted motifs and ceramic tiles, is simply remarkable! Not far from there, the 16th-century House of the Tree of Jesse, depicting Jesus Christ's family tree, is also well worth a look.

A listed Historic Monument just like the two other churches overlooking the rooftops of the old town, St. Andrew and St. John, the Flamboyant Gothic Church of St. Theobald features a square tower with a campanile on top. Inside, you can admire a beautiful smiling Madonna from the 14th century.

It's a pleasure to wander through the narrow streets and alleys of the historic centre, particularly along Place du Pilori, Rue de la Galère and Rue Cortel, which is lined with appealing artists' and craftspeople's shops. When you reach the bridge, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the old centre and its three churches.

In the heights of the old town of Joigny, a winding road accessible to cars, motorcycles and bicycles will lead you to the Côte Saint-Jacques belvedere and its magnificent viewpoint. If you prefer to walk there, you can do so, starting from the 13th-century Porte du Bois gate. After walking through the vines, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the Yonne Valley from 185 metres in altitude. Picnic and orientation tables have been provided on the site to make your visit a pleasant one.

So take the time to admire the amazing landscape when you're up there! The beautiful sloping vineyards stretch out before you, but you can also see the St. Nicholas Bridge over the Yonne, the green Othe forest and the historic town of Joigny, which reveals the charm of its churches and its rooftops covered with warm-coloured Burgundy tiles.

Located in the heart of Burgundy, about fifteen kilometres from Chablis, Pontigny Abbey is the largest intact Cistercian monument in France, with a length of 108 metres and an area of 4,000 m². Simplicity, sobriety and elegance are the watchwords of this imposing place.

Built in the 12th century, this unique abbey church combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Faithful to the Cistercian style, it is devoid of any superfluous depictions and is content to sublimate and magnify the light. This light enters through uncoloured stained glass windows to illuminate the white limestone pillars, amplifying the feeling of luminosity and space. Admire the purity of the lines and the harmony of the proportions, feel the minimalist atmosphere, savour the monastic silence: a visit to Pontigny Abbey is an experience not to be missed...

Near the abbey, the idyllic setting of the Serein Valley allows you to prolong this moment of peace with a gentle stroll in calm and serenity.

Known as the Golden Gate of Burgundy, Chablis is a charming village famous for its prestigious wine, located 20 kilometres from Auxerre. This welcoming community, surrounded by the vines that cover its more or less sloping hillsides, is a major wine-producing area in Burgundy. The local vineyard, planted exclusively with the Chardonnay grape variety, covers 4,800 hectares, making it the largest in Yonne.

This precious, world-famous heritage is not its only wealth. Its old village, nestling on the banks of the River Serein, has some hidden treasures to discover. The 12th and 13th-century Collegiate Church of St. Martin with its south portal, whose leaves are decorated with 111 horseshoes, the old Obédiencerie and its remarkable lever press, the Noël Gate and its two round towers, and the picturesque washhouse with its nine arches are all places not to be missed.

With its rich forest environment, Chablis is a must for lovers of white wine and gastronomy, old buildings and history, walkers, and anyone looking for a change of scenery!

Located in the superb natural environment of the Cure Valley, in the north of the Morvan, the Arcy-sur-Cure caves are a major prehistoric site, listed as a Historic Monument and Archaeological Site of National Interest. Carved into a Mesozoic Era limestone massif by the River Cure, the numerous caves, some of which are decorated with engravings, once provided shelter for humans.

A visitor attraction for over four centuries, the Great Cave (Grande Grotte) became even more famous in the early 1990s, when cave paintings from 28,000 years ago were discovered there. Drawn with ochre and charcoal, these prehistoric works make the Great Cave at Arcy-sur-Cure the oldest decorated cave in the world after the Chauvet Cave in Ardèche.

Only the Great Cave, adorned with draperies, stalactites and stalagmites, is open to the public. In its 900 metres of chambers and tunnels, a magical and enchanting world awaits visitors! Occupied by humans at different times, it has preserved Gallo-Roman sculptures and pottery alongside its incredible Palaeolithic paintings, as well as graffiti dating from 1543. Its fascinating underground chambers, two small lakes, animal engravings and strangely shaped limestone concretions will amaze all ages.

In a pleasant setting at the gateway to the Puisaye region in Burgundy, the village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses is home to a very fine structure built in the 17th century on the Briare Canal: an impressive staircase of locks, now a listed historic monument, which was in use from 1642 to 1880. Its construction required all the ingenuity of its designers, whose work enabled the canal to cross the hill and thus link the Loire to the Seine via the Loing Valley. For this technical feat, some 12,000 men were needed to dig the steps in the marshy terrain! From the top of the seven locks, 24 metres above ground, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the village. And from the bottom, admire the majesty of the site... At the end of July each year, the locks are illuminated at a superb pyrotechnic show that draws a big audience.

Apart from this unusual structure, so central to the local identity, you can also take a look at Rogny's bridges and footbridges over the Loing and the Briare Canal, stroll around its little harbour or visit its Romanesque church and washhouse. This charming spot has a water sports centre and no shortage of natural treasures, offering day-trippers a choice between a hike or a boat ride.

In Chamoux, Yonne, the unusual site of Cardo Land expresses all the passion of its creators, an artist and his family, who have turned a childhood dream into reality. Across 10 hectares, children and adults are amazed by 90 statues of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals! In the undergrowth, sounds from nature such as waterfalls, thunderstorms, volcanic eruptions and animal sounds set the scene and immerse visitors in a mysterious and surprising atmosphere with a Jurassic Park vibe.

You can also explore a Palaeontology Museum and a cave decorated with frescoes against a sound and light backdrop. Watch a training session with Athor the raptor, admire the Cro-Magnon acrobatics act and be moved by the cute new-borns in the nursery. Children will love seeing Titi, Stégus and Bidy, the baby triceratops, stegosaurus and brachiosaurus at play!

Numerous activities, each more original than the last, are on offer: an introduction to rock painting with ochre and charcoal, throwing assegais with a propeller, taking part in a reconstructed excavation field, modelling clay objects, prehistoric face-painting and creative workshops. This journey back to the days of the first humans will be enjoyed by all generations.

The village of Saint-Julien-du-Sault, halfway between Sens and Auxerre, is rich in scenery and heritage. In the heights of the village stands the Saint-Julien de Vauguillain Chapel, a vestige of Vauguillain Castle which is protected by fortifications. The chapel and ramparts form a beautiful and photogenic group, and the site offers a superb view of the valley and the surrounding green landscape.

Then head for the village centre with its Church of St. Peter, a former collegiate church with magnificent 13th-century stained glass windows and a Renaissance organ dating from 1568. Around the building, the village exudes charm with its characterful lanes and beautiful historical residences, such as the Chapter House and the Archbishop's House.

A visit to the Saint-Julien-du-Sault Cultural Heritage Museum is also a must. Based in a 16th-century half-timbered house, this attraction devoted to traditional trades and life in bygone days has many objects and tools from the past.

A major Burgundy heritage site and the start of a route of the Way of St. James since the 11th century, the village of Vézelay, on the edge of the Morvan, is renowned for its Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene. Overlooking the Renaissance dwellings and winegrowers' houses in the village, this jewel of medieval architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 12th century and restored in the 19th century by the famous architect Viollet-le-Duc. After passing through the portal in its imposing western façade, the three carved portals of its narthex are an amazing sight to discover. The incredible tympanum of the central portal depicting Christ in Glory is itself a genuine masterpiece of the Romanesque style! In the light-filled, majestically proportioned nave, the columns are topped by superb carved capitals from the 12th century, all extremely elegant. While visiting this exceptional place, you can also admire the rib-vaulted Gothic choir and the polychrome wall paintings in the Carolingian crypt, as well as the arcades of the cloister and the chapter house.

Vézelay is particularly keen to celebrate culture. At the Visitor's House you can discover the skills and techniques used by the builders of the basilica. There is also the Jules Roy House, named after the writer who once owned it and now a place of culture and remembrance. In the writer Romain Rolland's house, the Zervos Museum displays a superb collection of modern art. The Museum of the Work of Viollet-le-Duc, based in the former monks' dormitory adjoining the basilica, focuses on the basilica's restoration. It exhibits original sculptures from the building, which have been moved due to being too damaged or fragile to remain in place.

Yet there's more to Vézelay than its prestigious monument and cultural attractions. It also has a picturesque village, listed among the most beautiful in France, and it overlooks the Cure Valley. Known as the "eternal hill", you can discover its charms as you explore its ramparts interspersed with towers, wall walk, two fortified gates and period houses.

It's well worth spending some time in the medieval village. The main street is full of charm, with its houses' old façades and its art and craft shops. Near the basilica, the terrace of the old abbey castle and its shady esplanade offer a superb view over the Cure Valley and the Morvan. This lovely place is dotted with benches, making it ideal for a stroll or a little rest...

A former fortress town built on terraces, Saint-Florentin reveals its charms to visitors as they climb the steps to the historic centre. They love to stroll around its picturesque side streets, admiring its houses huddled around the church and beautiful dragon fountain.

Yet the highlight is the imposing Church of St. Florentin which towers over the town. Built in the Gothic and Renaissance style, it houses a magnificent set of stained glass windows from the 16th century, attributed to the Troyes school. Particularly remarkable are the windows of the Tree of Jesse and the Apocalypse, along with the stone rood screen separating the nave from the choir. Religious art-lovers are sure to admire them!

Next, head to the Priory Hill (Butte du Prieuré), a pleasant tree-lined esplanade, where you can enjoy a lovely view of the church, bell tower, rooftops of the old town and valley.

Water is an essential element in Saint-Florentin, which is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Armance and Armançon, and near the Burgundy Canal. Don't miss the five-arch stone bridge which enables the canal to cross over the Armance. And boating enthusiasts can embark at the marina to enjoy the peaceful setting of the Burgundy Canal, for a few hours or a few days.

Villeneuve-sur-Yonne in northern Burgundy has a great deal to tell us about its history and heritage. Its two fortified gates, which are listed historic monuments - the Gate of Sens on one side of the street, and the Gate of Joigny on the other - are not the only attractions of this charming town on the banks of the Yonne.

It's a pleasure to stroll along the old ramparts converted into walkways, the quays on the River Yonne, or the town's picturesque streets. There you will come across superb façades, such as that of the House of the Seven Heads decorated with seven mythological figures, and the remains of a royal keep. You can admire St. Nicholas Bridge, 210 metres in length, which rests on an island named Ile d'Amour, along with the Briard Fountain and the watchtowers.

To discover the attractions of this medieval town, you can opt for the audio-guided tour of the historic centre in 25 stages (lasting about 1h30), available on smartphone or tablet. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a sumptuous Gothic building with a Renaissance façade that dominates the town, is the highlight of this vast architectural heritage.

At the foot of the Gate of Joigny, a verdant garden adds a bucolic touch to the town. Part of this same gate is home to the Carnot Museum and Gallery, which exhibits works by artists who have fallen in love with the area.

The village of Pierre-Perthuis in Burgundy is a unique site, enhanced by its three attractive bridges and its little church perched above the Cure. Downhill from the village, two of its bridges cross the gorges formed there by the river. The most recent one, known as "the great bridge" or "the viaduct", was completed in 1874 and goes over the Crot de Ternos at a height of 33 metres. At its foot, the picturesque little Ternos Bridge is known as "the old bridge" and was built over the Cure a century earlier. Restored in 1925, it appeared in a scene of Gérard Oury's famous film La Grande Vadrouille. All in stone and served by the "twisted path", it consists of a single arch and a humpback roadway. Its green and idyllic setting is the ideal place to rest by the water's edge or take some pictures! Not far from there, a third structure called the Vearnais Bridge spans the Bazoches stream. It was built in 1851 on the site of a former bridge that enabled the Roman road to go across the water.

The gate of an ancient, ruined castle fort from the 12th and 13th centuries marks the entrance to the village. All that remains of the double-walled fortress that once stood here is this entrance gate and some underground passages near the church.

Although less well-known than the Ternos Bridge, the site of the pierced rock is still worth a detour. This beautiful natural curiosity can be found at the end of a little road in the direction of Avallon. From the top of this promontory, you can admire a beautiful view of the unspoilt countryside all around, and a pleasant picnic area has been created beneath the trees.

Nicknamed the Fishermen castle, the charming Château de La Bussière, surrounded by water, is home to a collection of works of art related to fresh water fishing. Visitors can also explore and daydream in its wonderful gardens, including a formal garden designed by Le Nôtre, an 18th-century vegetable garden where heritage plants, fruit and vegetables grow, and a lakeside walk. Children are also catered for with a hut trail, two mazes and giant wooden games!

A magnificent medieval village listed among the most beautiful villages of France, Noyers reveals its charm as you wander its cobbled streets. Lovers of authentic places rub shoulders with connoisseurs of regional gastronomy. Nestling in a bend in the River Serein, its winemaking culture is evidenced by the many cellar entrances opening onto the streets.

The village's identity is also shaped by its prosperous agriculture, and in fact it's named after the word "nux" (nut). Every autumn, the Burgundy truffle markets in the arcades of the village centre are filled with stalls selling delicious artisanal products. Art also has pride of place in this charming community, and a number of artists and craftspeople have opened stores in this exceptional setting.

It's a pleasure to explore its cobbled streets, lined by many half-timbered houses. Some are adorned with wonderful carved figures, while other still have their arches. Be sure to stop in front of the House of Corporations or the House of Schematism. There are other period residences to admire, especially around the charming villages squares such as Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Place de la Petite Étape aux Vins or Place du Grenier à Sel.

Don't miss the old castle site either, with its towers, pleasant walk and belvedere. In the medieval museum, you can visit the ramparts tower and its 13th-century fortified enclosure, as well as a weapons room and a collection of armour. At the very top, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the village.

The Museum of Naïve and Folk Arts, housed in a former 17th-century college with remarkable architecture, contains one of the most important collections in Yonne. Over time, it has grown to include eclectic objects and paintings by anonymous artists and more famous ones. An unusual and poetic experience with a sense of humour.

The Serein, a peaceful river that flows through the village, completes the sweet harmony of the place. The character of this well-preserved and authentic part of the world is sure to delight photographers in search of holiday snaps!

The eclectic heritage of the town of Tonnerre, located on the border of Champagne and Burgundy, has plenty to win over visitors. Its nickname of "Burgundy's Little Venice" is due to its charming features: the Burgundy Canal, an inviting place to go walking or boating, and the River Armançon with its mill race.

Yet the main attraction is the astounding circular basin of the Fosse Dionne, a karst spring with dreamy turquoise water... This mysterious spring, which has inspired many legends over the centuries, excites the curiosity of all generations. Built downhill from the Church of St. Peter, this charming site was turned into a picturesque washhouse in the 18th century. Then head to the Gothic and Renaissance church, which you can reach by taking the steps. Perched on a hill, it offers a beautiful view of the old town rooftops and surrounding green landscapes from its terrace.

A certified Small Town of Character, the birthplace of the famous knight of Éon, a diplomat and spy to Louis XV, makes a pleasant place for a walk. Keen botanists can admire the gardens at the Our Lady of Fontenilles Hospital (Hôtel-Dieu Notre-Dame des Fontenilles), which feature aromatic and medicinal plants alongside flowers and fruit trees. Considered to be the longest medieval hospital in Europe and the oldest in Burgundy, the Hospital, founded in 1293, still has its remarkable 90-metre long patients' ward. It also houses a museum with several themed rooms, including a reconstruction of an operating theatre from the early 20th century.

Built from 1890 to 1896, the 662-m long Briare aqueduct carries the Canal Latéral à la Loire over the Loire River. The longest steel canal aqueduct in France, this magnificent piece of civil engineering charms sailors and walkers alike with its waterway lined with pavements, elegant lamp posts and beautiful view of the Loire River and its banks.

At the gates of the Morvan, the town of Avallon is surrounded by ramparts and overlooks the picturesque Cousin Valley. Perched on a granite rock spur, its historic quarter unfolds around the Collegiate Church of St. Lazarus, which dates back to the 8th century. This Romanesque building is characterised by its magnificent 12th-century portal decorated with remarkable arches and by its large pipe organ dating from 1850.

But the treasures of its town centre don't stop there! Be sure to go and admire the 49-metre high clock tower, built in 1456, and pay a visit to the Jean Després Museum of the Avallonnais, named after the famous Art Deco jewellery-maker. In addition to the exhibition of works by local artists, it presents rich and varied collections of paintings, sculptures, and gold and silverware from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Also not to be missed are the salt store, which belonged to the collegiate church in the 15th century, and the house of the Lords of Domecy, an elegant Burgundian residence listed as a historic monument and dating from the same period. The upper part of the door, which opens onto the forecourt of the Church of St. Lazarus, is decorated with a corbelled turret. Near Avallon town hall, on Rue Belgrand, a charming mansion houses the 12 rooms of the Costume Museum, which charts the history of clothing and fashion from the 18th century to the present day. The Carton sisters, who own and guide visitors around the museum, are passionate about their work.

Then head for the town ramparts for a little walk along the charming Promenade de la Petite Porte, where you can enjoy a scenic view of the valley. The terrace gardens surrounding the upper town are another place of peace and relaxation to appreciate as you stroll along...

Near the fortified town of Avallon, the Cousin Valley is probably one of the region's most beautiful valleys. Upstream of Avallon, the Cousin receives several tributaries from the granitic Morvan. Nestling in the Morvan Regional Nature Park, its rich environment offers wonderful landscapes and promises unforgettable days out.

The valley is classified as a Natura 2000 zone, due to its high biodiversity and the presence of protected species, such as the white-clawed crayfish and pearl mussel. Ponds and forests take pride of place in this haven of peace, which is home to some typical bird species, such as the white-throated dipper or the red-backed shrike. By taking the Blue Path (Chemin Bleu) at the locality of Cousin-la-Roche, downhill from the old town of Avallon, you can follow the route of this family-friendly walk along the river to discover aquatic plants and wildlife.

The route through the leafy Cousin Valley goes via some very pleasant sites, such as the old Ruats mill, now a charming waterside hotel and restaurant. A stroll along the river, in this enchanting setting, is a pure moment of relaxation. The Cadoux Mill Bridge and the hamlet of Méluzien are other little gems to discover. At Les Isles Labaume is a large recreation area, with games for children, a pétanque court and picnic tables making it a great place for families to stop during a walk.

In Vault-de-Lugny, nature meets heritage. In its beautiful church with a flat chevet, superb 16th-century wall paintings depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ are spread around the nave and choir. Not far from there, the area around Vault-de-Lugny Castle, converted into a luxury hotel, is also a pleasant place for a walk.

At the heart of the Morvan, on the slopes of a wooded hill facing the Vézelay hill, stands the imposing form of Bazoches Castle. Built in the 12th century by Lord Jean de Bazoches, this trapezoid-shaped feudal edifice made up of four round towers and a square keep surrounding an inner courtyard, was the home of the Marshall de Vauban in the 17th century. It was here that the illustrious engineer produced the studies and plans for over three-hundred structures and strongholds for the kingdom of France, under Louis XIV! Now the property of Vauban's descendants, the Bazoches estate is open to the public from the end of March to the start of November. Discover its rich furniture and large collection of memorabilia relating to the famous military architect. Vauban's bedroom and office, the bedroom of the Marshall's wife, the main gallery where engineers and designers used to work, drawing rooms and libraries: all are reminders of the past which you can admire during your visit.

Below the castle, the charming little village of Bazoches has a 12th and 16th-century church containing the tomb of the Marshall de Vauban. The Church of Saint-Hilaire offers good acoustics and in mid-July every year, the Musical Nights of Bazoches, a lyrical song festival, is held there.