Yonne

Yonne is a department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of north-central France. It is named after the Yonne River, which flows through the area and ultimately joins the Seine. Created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790, Yonne is one of the original departments. The prefecture (capital) is Auxerre, and the department’s subprefectures are Sens and Avallon.

Geography and demographics: Yonne covers about 7,427 square kilometers. It borders several other Burgundy regions and Île-de-France, with landscapes that include river valleys along the Yonne and portions of the Morvan hills in the east. The Morvan Regional Natural Park extends into parts of the department. The population is around 340,000, giving a relatively low to moderate population density for the region.

Economy and culture: The department sits within Burgundy’s renowned wine country, including the Chablis wine region. Agriculture, forestry, and tourism are important economic activities. Historic towns such as Auxerre, Sens, Joigny, Avallon, and Tonnerre contain medieval architecture, markets, and cultural events that reflect the Burgundian heritage. Burgundian cuisine and wine culture are prominent in local life.

Administration and landmarks: Yonne is divided into arrondissements centered on Auxerre, Sens, and Avallon. Notable sights include the Cathedral of Auxerre (Saint-Étienne) and the historic streets that line the towns along the Yonne valley. Rural landscapes, rivers, and the Morvan hills offer outdoor recreation opportunities.

Overall, Yonne combines historic towns, viticulture, and natural scenery within a relatively compact, rural department of France.