YONNE

dpartement, Bourgogne region, central France, created from portions of the historic provinces of Champagne and Burgundy (Bourgogne) with additional small sections of the old provinces of Orlanais and Nivernais. Covering an area of 2,867 sq mi (7,425 sq km), it is named after the Yonne River, which bisects it, flowing southnorth through Auxerre, the capital, and Sens. The eastern section is watered by the Armaon River, accompanied by the Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal). The Loing River, which rises in the dpartement within the southern border, crosses its southeast corner. Woodland and heath occupy much of the dpartement, which comprises plains and plateaus extending southeast from the Seine Valley to the forested Morvan heights. The west of the dpartement includes part of the Gtinais woodland and heath district; the east includes the hilly Fort (forest) d'Othe area. The climate is temperate with warm summers. Cereals and fodder are the main crops, and cattle are reared. The valley slopes produce famous wines, especially those of Chablis, east of Auxerre. The towns are no more than small market centres for agricultural produce, and there is little industry (wood processing, electrical equipment, food processing). Consequently there has been a steady rural exodus to the Paris region. The Autoroute du Sud from Paris to the Mediterranean coast crosses the dpartement, which is a centre for tourism, having numerous ancient villages, historic churches, and chteaus. Beside the cathedrals of Auxerre and Sens, the Romanesque basilica of Vzelay is of particular interest, as are the chteaus of Ancy-le-Franc, Tanlay, Fleurigny, and Saint-Fargeau. The dpartement has three arrondissements, Auxerre, Avallon, and Sens. It is in the educational division of Dijon. Pop. (1982) 311,019.