Top 10 things to do in Tonnerre
April 28, 2025
©OT2CYT - Claude Blot Are you planning a visit to Tonnerre, but don't know where to start? Don't panic, we have everything you need! Discover the 10 must-see attractions not to be missed in this city full of charm and heritage. Between walks, meetings, wine tastings, gourmet restaurants and artistic discoveries, Tonnerre has a multitude of activities in store for you. Prepare to extend your stay: there's so much to explore!
1. Discover the nuggets of Tonnerre
To discover Tonnerre from another angle, take our discovery tour and explore the streets steeped in history. With our city map in hand, you will be able to admire iconic sites such as the Fosse Dionne, the Hôtel-Dieu, or the Saint-Pierre church, while soaking up the city's unique atmosphere. This tour invites you on a journey through time, in all simplicity. And who knows, you might discover a secret spot to add to your list!
2. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Fosse Dionne
Impossible to pass by Tonnerre without making a detour to the Fosse Dionne. This deep blue spring attracts the eye as much as it raises questions. Where does it come from? How far does it go? Its depth has always fueled stories: some speak of a simple natural phenomenon, others of underground galleries or ancient legends. It is even said that a monster once lived there... Between history, beliefs and mysteries, the Fosse Dionne remains one of the most striking places in the city. A site not to be missed, especially if you like places that stimulate the imagination.
Learn about the Fosse Dionne
©OT2CYT – Yann Frediani 3. MEETING THE WINEGROWERS OF TONNERROIS
Epicurean friends, wine enthusiasts, and wine professionals, prepare for a sensory journey! The winemakers of Tonnerrois open their doors to reveal the secrets of this discreet region's soils. The perfect opportunity to delve into the heart of their expertise, with tastings in vaulted cellars or on the farms themselves. With each winemaker's unique touch, you'll discover an authentic terroir and a wine with high-quality potential. An immersion not to be missed!
4. The best tables await you, your stomach will love them!
Who would say no to a good local dish? Tonnerre, there is something for everyone! Crêperie, bistro cuisine, Burgundian specialties… The city’s restaurants invite you to a gourmet break full of local flavors. Andouillette, Chaource, Époisses, snails… So many specialties that make up the culinary richness of the region. Enough to delight your taste buds and extend your discovery of the Tonnerrois
Enjoy a local dish
©OT2CYT – Yann Frediani 5. On the road to adventure through the trails of Tonnerrois
After the comfort, it's time for some exercise! For lovers of outdoor sports, the hiking trails of Tonnerrois are a wonderful invitation to explore. Whether you're acheuWhether you're a Sunday hiker or a seasoned hiker, each route offers a different discovery: in town, through the vineyards or along the canal. BourgogneA great way to get some fresh air, get moving, and see the region in a different way, all at your own pace.
6. peaceful escape along the canal Bourgogne
Another place on the theme of water, this time with a well-known route: the Canal de BourgogneThis canal crosses the entire territory and passes through the heart of Tonnerre, offering a calm and relaxing setting. Whether on foot, by bike, or simply to get some fresh air, a stroll along its banks is always a good idea. Between barges, locks, and reflections in the water, time seems to slow down... The perfect place to relax while discovering the city in a different way.
Stroll along the Canal de Bourgogne
©OT2CYT – Claude Blot 7. The Hôtel-Dieu, a historical treasure to explore
Discover an exceptional historical monument: the Hôtel-Dieu de Tonnerre, the longest medieval hospital in Europe and one of the oldest. Founded in the 13th century, this former hospital immerses you in its history through its large sick room, chapel, and antique objects.
New 2025 experience: an immersive, light-and-sound tour allows you to follow the voices of the past. You'll hear the stories of those who lived here and discover the lives of the women who worked with the sick throughout the centuries.
A true journey through over 700 years of history, both captivating and accessible for young and old. Enjoy the recently redesigned medicinal gardens for a complete and enjoyable experience.
Visit the Hôtel-Dieu
©All to the castle 8. A monument, a view, a breathtaking story
The Saint-Pierre church, a collegiate church from the 14th and 16th centuries, overlooks Tonnerre and offers superb views of the city. Inside, the peaceful atmosphere invites contemplation; you can discover an antique organ, an 18th-century pulpit, and magnificent stained-glass windows. While the exterior captivates with its unique architecture, it's a perfect place for history lovers and those who enjoy beautiful discoveries.
9. Tasty, authentic, local: go to the market
À Tonnerre, the markets are a real meeting place for lovers of local products. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the city comes alive around its stalls where producers come to share their local treasures. Cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, vegetables, and many other delicacies… It's the perfect opportunity to leave with fresh, seasonal products, and above all to know where they come from. By talking directly with the producers, you will discover not only the quality of their products, but also their stories and their passion for their work. An authentic experience that links flavors to local traditions.
Take a trip to the market
©OT2CYT – Claude Blot 10. Art awaits you in our galleries
Tonnerre, with its rich historical heritage, is also a vibrant city artistically. Local art galleries play a key role in the city's cultural life, offering a multitude of temporary exhibitions that attract both locals and visitors. These spaces are an opportunity to discover a variety of works, ranging from contemporary art to more classic creations, and to immerse yourself in the world of local and international artists. Among the places not to be missed are: the Café des Glaces, the Alfred Grévin Gallery, the Archipels Gallery, the Prodromus Gallery, the Espace Marland, among others... Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious, these galleries offer a great opportunity to discover the creativity that brings the city to life throughout the seasons.