Major city · France
Avallon
Give Avallon one full day for the walled town, then add nights only for nearby trips: Vézelay is 17 km (11 mi) east, the Morvan and Arcy-sur-Cure need a car.Give Avallon one full day for the walled town, then add nights only for nearby trips: Vézelay is 11 mi (17 km) east, the Morvan and Arcy-sur-Cure need a car.
Avallon is a small Burgundy town on a granite outcrop at the northern gate of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, about 7,200 people inside the walls. Its draw is compact: a surviving stretch of rampart and gates, a 49 m bell tower from 1456, the church of Saint-Lazare with its Lazarus relic, and half-timbered lanes that are pedestrian-only. It works as a single overnight on the A6 corridor between Paris and Beaune, or as a two-night base for Vézelay, the Morvan and the caves at Arcy-sur-Cure. It is not a destination you build a week around.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Nov–Mar (cold, many places shut), mid-August
- Airports
- CDG · ORY
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Avallon112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Avallon, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyA quiet small town; watch uneven cobbles and steps in the old lanes, and take a torch for the ramparts after dinner.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency number · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCDG Paris Charles de Gaulle (TGV or TER via Paris; about 3 h by car on the A6, exits 21–22).
- Getting aroundThe historic centre is largely pedestrian, so you walk it: church, bell tower, ramparts and museums sit within about 15 minutes of each other.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or a café crème€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, short hop in town€10–15 (≈ US$12–18)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (costume museum, glass workshop)€4–5 (≈ US$5–6)
- Budget bedCamping pitch (municipal site, Apr–Oct), a night, per room€18 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, small hotel or chambre d'hôtes, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, small hotel or chambre d'hôtes, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €120 (≈ US$140) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle (TGV or TER via Paris; about 3 h by car on the A6, exits 21–22) · ORY Paris Orly (Reach Paris by shuttle, then rail south; check connections)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Aug, Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C) low), wettest Dec (12 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Avallon: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
11 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
Mar
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The historic centre is largely pedestrian, so you walk it: church, bell tower, ramparts and museums sit within about 15 minutes of each other. A free shuttle runs Wednesday 14:00–19:00 and Saturday 09:00–12:45 from Place des Odebert, with two loops of about 25 minutes each (centre–station–La Morlande and centre–Les Chaumes–Cousin). For Vézelay, the Morvan and Arcy-sur-Cure you need a car, a taxi or a seasonal bus; check current timetables locally.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Vézelay
goDoor to door: About 30 min by car (check)
Car or taxi east; 17 km (11 mi) from Avallon (route and time check)Car or taxi east; 11 mi (17 km) from Avallon (route and time check)
The basilica and the hill village; go early, the climb and the lanes fill by late morning.
Arcy-sur-Cure caves
goDoor to door: About 30 min by car (check)
Car north toward Auxerre, about 21 km (13 mi) (route check)Car north toward Auxerre, about 13 mi (21 km) (route check)
Prehistoric painted caves; visits are guided and seasonal, check dates.
Morvan Regional Natural Park
overnightDoor to door: Check
Car south; Avallon is the park's biggest town, trailheads beyond it (access time check)
A day is enough for one lake or one ridge, not the whole park.
Auxerre
goDoor to door: About 50 min by car (check)
Car on the A6/D606, or the St Marc coach that links Auxerre and Dijon through Avallon
Bigger town, cathedral and riverfront; a half day.
Chablis
goDoor to door: About 45 min by car (check)
Car north-east, about 40 km (25 mi) (check)Car north-east, about 25 mi (40 km) (check)
Cellar visits need booking in season.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old town (inside the walls)
Place Vauban and Grande Rue Aristide Briand: walk to everything, few rooms, book ahead.
Rue de Paris / station side
Hotels near the SNCF station and the A6 approach; walk time to the centre check.
Pontaubert and the Cousin valley
About 4 km (2.5 mi) west; quiet riverside stays if you have a car.About 2.5 mi (4 km) west; quiet riverside stays if you have a car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €100–150 (≈ US$120–180) excl. bed
- High
- €180 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, small hotel or chambre d'hôtes1 × 1 night × €120 | €120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €120 | €240 |
| Car hire, one day, small car1 × €65 · 2026 estimate | €65 |
| Fuel, about 80 km of local driving1 × €10 · 2026 estimate | €10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 · 2026 estimate | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €47 |
| Trip total≈ €256 per person per day, bed included | €512≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate
2026 estimate in euro; travel to Avallon excluded. Figures are estimates, not quoted prices. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or a café crème | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Light lunch with a glass of wine | €15–20 (≈ US$18–25) |
| Menu du jour, mid-range restaurant | €18–28 (≈ US$25–35) |
| Glass of Burgundy in a bar | €5–9 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Museum entry (costume museum, glass workshop) | €4–5 (≈ US$5–6) |
| Avallonnais museum | Free |
| Taxi, short hop in town | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Rail service is regional (TER) and thin: check times before you plan a day around a train.
- Many restaurants and the costume museum keep short hours and close one or two days a week; check before walking over.
- The tourist office is closed Sunday and Monday.
- Countryside buses are school-oriented and may not run in July and August.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
- By text, for deaf callers
- 114
Pocket card
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AvallonAvallon
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency number112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
- By text, for deaf callers114
Embassy
No embassies in Avallon; the US, UK, Canadian, Australian, Irish and New Zealand embassies are in Paris. For police matters, the gendarmerie is at 2 avenue Victor Hugo (check hours).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Free shuttle, centre loop: free, Wed 14:00–19:00 and Sat 09:00–12:45, about 25 min per loopfree, Wed 2:00 PM–7:00 PM and Sat 9:00 AM–12:45 PM, about 25 min per loop
- Avallon → Vézelay by taxi: about €30–40 (≈ US$35–50), 30 min (check)
- TER Avallon → Auxerre: about €10–12 (≈ US$12–14), roughly 1 h (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello / Good day (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please (la-dee-SYON seel voo PLEH)
- Parlez-vous anglais ? — Do you speak English? (par-lay VOO on-GLEH)
- Je voudrais une table pour deux — I would like a table for two (zhuh voo-DREH ewn TAH-bluh poor DUH)
- Où est la gare ? — Where is the station? (oo eh la GAR)
Tipping: service is included by law, so round up or leave 5–10% for good service.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Avallon. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Nov–Mar (cold, many places shut), mid-August · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Rail and coach contract for Avallon: TER times from Paris Bercy and Laroche-Migennes, St Marc coach stops, taxi fallback.
- Walking cluster map: Place Vauban, Grande Rue, Saint-Lazare, the bell tower, the ramparts and the two Rue Belgrand museums.
- Place pages with verified hours for the Avallonnais museum, the costume museum and the glass workshop, plus eat pages with last orders.
- Morvan trailheads and Vézelay parking fixtures so the day-trip rungs can go green.
Sources
- officialAvallon tourist office
- officialVille d'Avallon
- officialSNCF Connect (TER Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
- officialMorvan Regional Natural Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Avallon, revision 5053294 (CC BY-SA 4.0)