Villeneuve-sur-Yonne in northern Burgundy has a great deal to tell us about its history and heritage. Its two fortified gates, which are listed historic monuments - the Gate of Sens on one side of the street, and the Gate of Joigny on the other - are not the only attractions of this charming town on the banks of the Yonne.
It's a pleasure to stroll along the old ramparts converted into walkways, the quays on the River Yonne, or the town's picturesque streets. There you will come across superb façades, such as that of the House of the Seven Heads decorated with seven mythological figures, and the remains of a royal keep. You can admire St. Nicholas Bridge, 210 metres in length, which rests on an island named Ile d'Amour, along with the Briard Fountain and the watchtowers.
To discover the attractions of this medieval town, you can opt for the audio-guided tour of the historic centre in 25 stages (lasting about 1h30), available on smartphone or tablet. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a sumptuous Gothic building with a Renaissance façade that dominates the town, is the highlight of this vast architectural heritage.
At the foot of the Gate of Joigny, a verdant garden adds a bucolic touch to the town. Part of this same gate is home to the Carnot Museum and Gallery, which exhibits works by artists who have fallen in love with the area.
