Yonne, Administrative department in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
The Yonne department extends across the northwestern part of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and covers three main districts grouped around the cities of Auxerre, Avallon, and Sens. The administrative division largely follows the course of the river that shares its name, flowing through forested hills and agricultural land before joining the Seine.
The territorial division received its official status on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution when the nation reorganized its administrative boundaries. The creation of this unit replaced older feudal structures and drew new lines based on geographical and economic considerations.
The northern section of this administrative region contains the Chablis wine area, where producers follow strict regulations to maintain the quality of their white wines. These vineyards shape the rolling landscape and the local economy for centuries, with production taking place on chalky soils that give the wine its characteristic taste.
The department maintains a network of administrative offices throughout its territory, with the central prefecture located in the city of Auxerre. Visitors can access main public services during regular business hours on weekdays, with some satellite offices open on selected Saturdays as well.
The department takes its name from the river that flows through the region from south to north before joining the Seine. The course of the waterway served as a natural guideline when establishing the administrative boundaries in the late 18th century.
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