The Yonne, an enchanting department, attracts nature lovers and those looking for a break from the daily grind with its picture-postcard green landscapes. The Torch received a warm welcome and explored the stunning heritage of a department that is rich in classified monuments spanning from all eras and a vibrant cultural scene with a wealth of museums, festivals and exhibitions. For a day, it also experienced the wine making that brings pride and fame to this corner of the world. 

First stop was the medieval fortress of Avallon. From the Place Houdaille, the Torch illuminated the 49-metre Clock Tower and the church of Saint-Martin-du-Bourg. After a sporty stop at the skate park, the torch made its way to Vézelay, the top tourist destination in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The Torch then lit up the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, an important pilgrimage site on the Way of St James and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

From Romanesque to Gothic architecture, the relay visited Saint Stephen's Cathedral in Sens, one of the oldest cities in France. The Torch reached this historic monument in the city centre after passing by the Claude Pitou stadium and along the banks of the Yonne river. It then entered the life of the castle at the Château de Saint-Fargeau, a magnificent 10th century estate, and in Saint-Fargeau it visited the charming La Demoiselle inn and the unique Museum of Sound Adventure, one of Europe's largest museums dedicated to sound. 

In Migennes, the Olympic Torch was welcomed by the French Archery Federation (FFTA), which held its first Team Relay in front of the Cabaret l'Escale. Archery has a special place in the Yonne, where national competitions are organised every year by La Sentinelle de Brienon, a club based in Brienon-sur-Armançon. Dedicated to the promotion of archery, La Sentinelle has been awarded the OR label by the FFTA for its excellent facilities. 

Famous archers have honed their skills at La Sentinelle, including the captain of the day, Bérengère Schuh, who won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics after becoming world champion in 2003. She was joined by 23 enthusiasts, including her former partner Anthony Barbier, who has won numerous national titles, including a mixed doubles title with Schuh. Cyrielle Aymonin, the French para-archery champion, was also present, as were Annick Picard, president of the Yonne Archery Committee and a national coach, and Patrick Aguado Corrochano, a volunteer and member of the club's board of directors. 

Burgundy, famous the world over for the quality of its wines, owes part of its reputation to the Yonne. The Relay highlighted the region's fine winemaking traditions as it passed through Chablis, home to the department's most famous appellation. The Olympic torch was handed over to some of these winemakers, who keep the flame of this spirit alive from generation to generation. 

One of them, Églantine Borgnat, who lives near Avallon, had the honour of carrying the Torch. It was a reward for her professional success and her commitment to promoting wine tourism and winemaking careers. In Chablis, Laurent Pinson carried the Torch at the foot of the Vaudésir vineyards, one of the seven Climats of the Chablis Grand Cru appellation. This award celebrated his passion for sport, as he has chaired the AS Chablis football club for almost a decade. The segment ended at the Cité des Climats et des Vins de Bourgogne. 

Some 115 Torchbearers took it in turns to explore the Yonne and showcase a variety of sports. Olivier Gilares, a triathlete and physical education teacher, was honoured for his efforts in developing a girls' rugby team at his school. Judo featured prominently with Nicolas Fourmaux, a multiple French champion and European and world kata silver medallist. In Auxerre, the Olympic torch once again honoured archers when it was passed to Jean-Michel Cleroy, President of the French Archery Federation. 

The capital of the Yonne is renowned for its football connections and the Torch made its way to the famous Abbé Deschamps stadium. The relay was accompanied by Guy Roux, the legendary coach of Auxerre from 1961 to 2005, who led the club from the regional leagues to winning the French championship in 1996. He was joined by 'Séan' Garnier, a former AJA academy player who has since become one of the world's most famous freestyle footballers, with several world titles to his name. 

The Torch then lit up the banks of the Yonne, the Cathedral of Saint Stephen (a listed building) and the Abbey of Saint Germanus, which gives its name to a museum. The final handover took place in the Parc de Roscoff, where received the Torch Emmeline Ndongue. The former basketball player is a source of pride for her city, having played 196 times for the French national team, winning a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics and a European Championship. Once a sensation on the court, the Auxerre-born player made the winning shot of the day by lighting the cauldron.