AUXERRE

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The Church of St Pierre en Vallee in Auxerre where Napoleon and Joan of Arc travelled the cobbled streets. The Paul Bert River bridge over the Yonne is set at a challenging angle for downstream barge traffic	St Pierre Church on the Rue Paul Bert in Auxerre is a classic building which still bears traces of Renaissance decoration embraced into France by Francois 1	Abbey of St Etienne (St Stephen) was the first Martyr disciple who died by stoning. This Gothic 13-16th century Cathedral has elaborate stained glass windows and a Romanesque crypt with fine 11th century frescoes showing Christ on a white horse. Napoleon rested here after returning from Elba before starting his 100 day campaign culminating in the battle of Waterloo	Abbey of St Germain. The celebrated Benedictine abbey was built in 5th century by Queen Clotilda, wife of Clovis, on the site where St Germanus the 5th century Bishop was buried. The Upper part of the abbey was built in the 13th Century in Gothic style. The Bell Tower is 12th century Romanesque and known as the Tower of St Jean
Auxerre with the three churches in the distance. Quai de la Marine (our mooring on Sunday or Friday night runs ) along the river Yonne from the junction of the boulevard de la Chainette	View of St Germain and its museum. The museum is an old conventional building of the Abbey including the Abbots residence. Fantastic local shops complete the Auxerre picture	St Etienne showing the West tower and flamboyantly styled facade. Sculptures on the Western side were destroyed during the 16th century in a religious conflict	St Etienne and St Germain. La Belle Epoque moors in the shadow of the Great Cathedral on the first night, or Captain's dinner night