Heading south from Auxerre towards Dijon, is the medieval fortified town of Avallon. It was a stronghold of Louis XIV who is said to have sold the ramparts and defences to the inhabitants who have preserved them to this day.
The ramparts to the south offer excellent views over the valley of the River Cousin and there is an avenue of shady trees from where you can see the river wending its peaceful way through the French countryside.
Within the town walls are many surviving old buildings including the church of Saint Lazare which dates from the 11th and 12th Centuries.
For more tourist information and history, see Premier Pages (Wine Regions, Places of interest)