Getting There
The main gateway for Auxerre is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located approximately 153 km north of the city. From CDG, the best transit option is the train: take the RER B from the airport to either Paris Gare de Lyon or Châtelet-les-Halles, then connect to a SNCF TER service to Auxerre Saint-Gervais station, with a total journey of roughly 3 to 3.5 hours including the transfer. Driving from CDG takes about 2 hours via the A6 autoroute, which is worth considering for groups or fans with heavy kit.
Getting Around
Auxerre is a compact city and the historic centre is largely walkable, but the local bus network — branded AuxR_M le bus and operated by Keolis — covers the city with 5 urban lines plus a free electric shuttle circling the city centre. There is no metro or tram, and rideshare options are limited compared to larger French cities, so fans staying near the city centre or Auxerre Saint-Gervais train station can manage comfortably without a car on matchdays. A rental car is useful if you plan to explore the surrounding Burgundy wine country around Chablis between fixtures.
Where to Stay
The historic centre (Vieille Ville), particularly around the riverbanks of the Yonne and the area near Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, is the best base for visiting sports fans — it puts you within easy reach of the atmosphere, bars, and restaurants on a matchday. Budget options like the Ibis Budget Auxerre Centre start around €60–70/night and sit just an 8-minute walk from Auxerre Saint-Gervais station; mid-range picks like Hôtel Le Maxime (Best Western Signature Collection) on the Yonne riverbank or Hôtel Les Maréchaux run €90–130/night. Accommodation supply is limited for a city this size, so book well in advance for Ligue 1 fixtures, especially derbies, as the city fills quickly.
Sports Fan Notes
AJ Auxerre is one of French football's most storied provincial clubs, having won the Ligue 1 title in 1996 and the Coupe de France twice under legendary manager Guy Roux, who led the club for an extraordinary 44 years. Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps has a passionate and tight-knit home support — the Auxerrois are proud of their club's underdog identity as a small-city side competing at the top level, which makes for an authentic and welcoming matchday atmosphere far removed from the big-city clubs. The club's fierce rivalry with Dijon FCO and traditional competition with other Burgundy sides adds regional colour for visiting fans. Between fixtures, the proximity of the Chablis wine region and the Canal du Nivernais gives sports travelers a genuinely distinctive off-pitch experience.
Venues in Auxerre
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from CDG to downtown Auxerre?
From CDG, take the RER B train (direction central Paris) to either Châtelet-les-Halles or Paris Gare de Lyon, then board a SNCF TER regional train to Auxerre Saint-Gervais. The full journey including the Paris transfer takes around 3 to 3.5 hours. Trains from Paris Bercy/Gare de Lyon to Auxerre run roughly 10–12 times per day. Tickets can be booked via SNCF Connect; budget around €15–30 for the Paris–Auxerre TER leg booked in advance. Driving from CDG takes approximately 2 hours on the A6 and is a practical option for groups.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Auxerre for a sports trip?
Stay in the Vieille Ville (historic centre), especially near the Yonne riverfront or around Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. This area gives you walkable access to the city's bars, brasseries, and pre-match atmosphere, and is well connected by the AuxR_M le bus network to the rest of the city. The Ibis Auxerre Centre and Ibis Budget Auxerre Centre are both located here and are just an 8-minute walk from Auxerre Saint-Gervais station, making them practical and affordable choices for fans arriving by train.
Which sports teams play in Auxerre?
AJ Auxerre (also known as AJA) is the city's professional football club, competing in Ligue 1, France's top division. They play their home matches at Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps. The club is one of the most historically significant provincial sides in French football, with a Ligue 1 championship and two Coupe de France titles to their name.
Is Auxerre a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Auxerre is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The tournament is held exclusively in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest host city for fans traveling from Auxerre would be in North America — for example, New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), which is one of the primary venues for the tournament.
Sports cities near Auxerre
Close enough to pair with a Auxerre trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.