Avallon, Medieval commune in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, France
Avallon sits on a granite outcrop rising between 163 and 369 meters above sea level, ringed by fortified walls that overlook the Cousin Valley. Medieval streets wind through the town, lined with buildings spanning different centuries and architectural styles.
The settlement grew from a Celtic fort into a Gallo-Roman town and later became an important administrative hub during the Merovingian and Carolingian periods. This continuous importance across centuries shaped the town's lasting structure and identity.
The Romanesque Church of Saint-Lazare features intricate stone carvings depicting religious and mythological scenes from the 12th century. These ornate portal decorations shape the town's character and draw visitors interested in medieval religious architecture.
The town center offers shops, restaurants, and accommodation along its main streets and squares. Regular markets held throughout the week on the central square provide fresh local goods and everyday items for visitors and residents.
The Tour de l'Horloge, a 15th-century clock tower, marks the entrance to the old town through an original medieval gate system. This tower served for centuries as a landmark and demonstrates the craftsmanship needed to track time in that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
