Heritage Days in Yonne

Heritage Days in Yonne

Every third weekend of September, the European Heritage Days transform Yonne into a vast open-air museum. Initiated nationally in 1984 by Jack Lang, Minister of Culture, and now coordinated at the European level, these days allow hundreds of sites usually closed or paying to open their doors free of charge to the general public.

Exceptional Heritage to Discover

Yonne is one of the richest departments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in terms of historical and architectural heritage. The Heritage Days take on a special dimension here by providing access to usually little-accessible gems:

• The Basilica of Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its exceptional Romanesque tympanums
• The Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre and its Carolingian crypts
• The Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Sens, the first Gothic cathedral in France
• The Abbey of Pontigny, a former 12th-century Cistercian abbey
• The Departmental Archives of Yonne and their unique collections
• Numerous castles, manors, and private historical residences
• Romanesque churches of Puisaye, Tonnerrois, and Auxerrois

A Theme Renewed Each Year

Each edition is placed under a national theme, adapted locally by the heritage stakeholders of Yonne. Recent years have highlighted architectural heritage, archaeological sites, museum collections, and artisanal know-how. The 2025 theme, focused on architectural heritage, allowed for the exploration of emblematic and little-known buildings throughout the department.

Activities for All Audiences

The Heritage Days in Yonne offer a range of activities suitable for all ages and knowledge levels:

• Guided tours by historians, architects, and local enthusiasts
• Fun workshops and detective games for children and families
• Conferences and round tables on local heritage
• Temporary exhibitions and collection presentations
• Concerts in heritage locations
• Screenings of documentary films

The Departmental Archives of Yonne

The Departmental Archives actively participate in the Heritage Days. During the 2025 edition, they offered Lego and heritage workshops, free tours of the Prison Tower, and an exhibition on the architectural heritage of Yonne. A rich program that illustrates the vitality of the heritage policy of the Department of Yonne.