A Rainy Day Guide to Chablis and the Yonne
The weather isn’t always on your side during a holiday. Don’t worry!
Even on rainy days, the Chablis region and its surroundings offer plenty of activities to help you make the most of your stay. Here’s a list of ideas for spending a rainy day while discovering the richness of our region.
Wine Cellar and Vineyard Tours
Explore the wine cellars
The Yonne is known for its wines, especially Chablis, Irancy, and Saint-Bris.
Take advantage of a rainy day to enjoy tastings in local wine cellars around Chablis, Chitry, or Irancy. Check our list of our favourite wineries : Wineries
Visit La Chablisienne
This historic wine cooperative offers guided tours to help you understand the winemaking process and taste some of their finest crus.
chablisienne.com
Brewery tours
Yes, in the land of wine, we make beer too!
Discover how local organic craft beers are made, with a tasting session at the end at Maddam or Brasserie de Vézelay.
maddam-chablis.com
brasseriedevezelay.fr
Leisure & Relaxation
Cooking classes and gourmet workshops
Learn how to prepare typical regional dishes with local chefs. It's a great way to warm up and dive into Burgundian specialties like boeuf bourguignon, gougères, or escargots.
Book a session with our partner chef, Ollie Timberlake.
ollietimberlake.co
Pottery workshops
Several artistic studios in the area offer hands-on sessions where you can learn to create beautiful pieces—even if you’re a beginner.
Try Stéphanie Wahl, a ceramicist in Noyers-sur-Serein:
stephaniewahlceramique.com
Spa & wellness
Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in spas around Chablis, Auxerre, Joigny, or Sens.
Castles, Abbeys & Cathedrals — All Indoors!
Other great places to take shelter from grey skies are the many castles, abbeys, and cathedrals scattered throughout the region.
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Into medieval fortresses? Visit the Château de Saint-Fargeau (55 minutes away).
chateau-de-st-fargeau.com -
Prefer Renaissance elegance? Discover Château de Tanlay (20 minutes) or Château d’Ancy-le-Franc (30 minutes).
Guided tours at these sites are often fascinating.
chateaudetanlay.fr
chateau-ancy.com
Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Auxerre (17 minutes)
This majestic Gothic cathedral with colorful stained glass windows and crypts is perfect for a sheltered visit.
Abbaye Saint-Germain in Auxerre (17 minutes)
This historic site spans 16 centuries of Auxerre’s history, including a Carolingian crypt with the oldest known wall paintings in France.
abbayesaintgermain.fr
Abbaye de Pontigny (10 minutes)
Explore one of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys in Europe, with its imposing yet austere architecture. They just opened a nice little café La Maison du Jardinier (with vegetarian options).
abbayepontigny.com
Art galleries in Vézelay (45 minutes)
Wander through Vézelay’s art and craft galleries in this hilltop UNESCO-listed village.
Curious Minds Welcome — Indoor Museums
Museums will keep your mind stimulated and help you forget the rain outside!
Vinéa Passion Museum (5 minutes)
Learn all about Chablis’ wine heritage in this small but engaging museum:
museevineapassion-chablis.fr
Cité des Climats et des Vins de Chablis
Explore the diversity of the Burgundy wine region through an immersive, interactive visitor trail, guided tours, tastings, and family-friendly activities.
citeclimatsvins-bourgogne.com
Musée Saint-Germain in Auxerre (17 minutes)
An archaeology and history museum with collections from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
abbayesaintgermain.fr
Colette Museum in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye (56 minutes)
Step into the childhood home of the famous French writer Colette, now a museum dedicated to her life and works.
musee-colette.com
Indoor Fun & Games
Bowling in Auxerre — O’Strike
Enjoy 20 bowling lanes (kid-friendly from age 4), pool tables, a multi-sensory laser tag course, arcade games, and on-site dining. Open daily except Mondays.
bowling-auxerre.com
Escape rooms
Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with escape rooms in:
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Auxerre: Laser Games and L’Enquet’heure
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Vézelay: Vézelay Escape Game
vezelayescapegame.fr
Perfect indoor group activity for a fun challenge.
Cozy up at the Cinema
Catch a movie at the cinemas in Auxerre or Tonnerre for a snug, rainy-day screening.
Check local theatre listings too—there might be concerts, plays, or other live shows worth seeing.
One Last Idea?
Stay in and enjoy the cozy comforts of Maisons Vaudésir —
Board games, puzzles, the PlayStation 3, or a great film on Netflix, paired with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
A great option for quality time as a couple or with family or a solo traveler... even when it’s not raining!
With this selection of rainy-day activities, the weather won’t spoil your stay in Chablis!
