This ancient abbey, its church held aloft by dramatic flying buttresses, began as a basilica above the tomb of St Germain, the 5th-century bishop who made Auxerre an important Christian center. By medieval times it was attracting pilgrims from all over Europe. The crypt, accessible by tour (€7; in French, with English handout), contains some of Europe's finest examples of Carolingian architecture. Supported by 1200-year-old oak beams, the walls and vaulted ceiling are decorated with 9th-century frescoes; the innermost sanctum shelters St Germain's tomb.
Housed around the abbey's cloister, the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (admission free) displays prehistoric artifacts, Gallo-Roman sculptures and rotating contemporary art exhibits.
