Avallon lies on a granite promontory, with the Cousin flowing at its southern foot. The town also offers themed walks, historic buildings, opportunities to observe nature and leisure activities. Two 2.5-kilometre walks have different focuses, while the Avallon Découverte route offers panoramic views of the Cousin Valley.
City Walks and Nature
The Circuit du Jardinier is a 2.5-kilometre urban walk through Avallon’s winding streets, parks and gardens. It leads to the Parc des Chaumes, an LPO refuge since January 2015. Birds, insects, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, as well as 90 plant species, have been recorded in the park. Squirrels, badgers and hedgehogs live there; deer pass through the park. Wildlife sightings like these can change over time. On this route, urban green spaces and the refuge’s biodiversity come together as a shared theme for the walk.
The Chemin bleu is also 2.5 kilometres long. This family-friendly route raises awareness of the need to protect aquatic species and their habitats. By comparison, the Circuit du Jardinier passes through winding streets, parks and gardens before reaching the Parc des Chaumes. Both routes are the same length but have different focuses: the Chemin bleu highlights aquatic species and their habitats, while the Circuit focuses on urban green spaces and the LPO refuge. If you are choosing between the two walks, this difference in theme can help guide your decision.
The Avallon Découverte route offers panoramic views of the Cousin Valley. The Isles Labaume leisure area has a different focus, with mini golf, slides and climbing walls. So, alongside walks and nature-themed activities, there are also specific leisure activities to choose from.
Cultural History and Architecture
The Musée de l’Avallonnais Jean Després was founded in 1862 by the Société d’études d’Avallon. Since 17 September 2003, it has held “Musée de France” status under French heritage law. It is housed in a former college dating from the 17th century, the oldest part of which is medieval. The museum’s institutional history and the building’s earlier history thus come together here.
The Collégiale Saint-Lazare offers another architectural detail: its choir is 2.50 metres below the portal and can be reached by 17 steps. The choir’s lower position and access via the steps give the building a distinctive spatial arrangement.
Gardens, Events and Crafts
The Jardins-Terrasses offer themed tours, open days, workshops and festive events. If you are planning around a specific date, check the event dates in advance. The Avallon Tourist Office also offers the “Circuit de la Grenouille” visitor booklet; check in advance whether it is available.
La Boutique de Création BO is a gallery and shop in Avallon featuring eight artists and craftspeople working in wood, jewellery, ceramics, perfume, photography and sculpture. The participating artists and craftspeople may change.
Discover more destinations: Villeperrot, Chassignelles, Rouvray, Cussy-Les-Forges, Noyers, Voutenay-Sur-Cure, Bierry-les-Belles-Fontaines, Appoigny
For the main travel overview: Yonne.
