Hiking Tour of the Avallonnais (Yonne, Nièvre)

Starting from the timeless hill of Vézelay, whose magnificent basilica overlooks the Avallon region, the trail descends toward Asnières-sous-Bois before reaching the banks of the Yonne River at Châtel-Censoir. Here, the landscape is dramatically shaped by the limestone cliffs of Merry-sur-Yonne. Hikers can explore the prehistoric caves of Saint-Moré before entering the Serein Valley at L'Isle-sur-Serein. The path winds through Montréal, a fortified village that gazes out over the plain, and then into Guillon-Terre-Plaine, where the rural architecture retains all of its rustic authenticity. The route follows the foothills of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, passing through Saint-Léger-Vauban, the birthplace of Louis XIV's famous engineer, Vauban. It then leads to Quarré-les-Tombes, known for its mysterious stone sarcophagi nestled within a forest of beech and conifers. After skirting the tranquil lake of Marigny-l'Église and navigating the striking gorges of the Cure, the journey finally loops back toward Saint-Père and Vézelay.

The Avallon region, situated on the border of the Yonne and Nièvre departments, is a fascinating transitional landscape where the limestone plateaus of Burgundy meet the initial granite foothills of the Morvan. Its capital, Avallon, is perched high on a rocky spur, offering commanding views of the Cousin Valley alongside terraced gardens that exude absolute serenity. The historical heritage here is monumental, beautifully embodied by the timeless hill of Vézelay and its Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a true masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Nature expresses its power through steep-sided valleys and rushing rivers, providing an ideal setting for both vigorous hiking and peaceful contemplation. Between the dense forests of the Morvan Regional Natural Park and the charming villages like Montréal and Noyers-sur-Serein, history is deeply etched into every stone. It is a territory where the expansive silence of wide-open spaces blends perfectly with the richness of a prestigious medieval past.

Distance: 172km, Maximum altitude: 460m, Minimum altitude: 126m, Cumulative elevation gain: 3014m
IGN Maps: 2622SB - CLAMECY VARZY. 2721SB - VERMENTON JOUX-LA-VILLE. 2722ET - AVALLON VÉZELAY. 2821SB - L'ISLE-SUR-SEREIN SAINT-RÉMY. 2822OT - QUARRÉ-LES-TOMBES SAULIEU PNR DU MORVAN.

Nearby paths:

It is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring the FFRandonnée topo-guide. You will also find information on MonGR.fr.

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