The location of Champs-sur-Yonne, on the banks of the River Yonne, was originally inhabited from the Neolithic to the Gallo-Roman periods. However, the first written mention of the village can be found around the 12th century. Affected by the Wars of Religion, fortifications were made around the village at the end of the 16th century. The town centre, which was destroyed at the end of the 18th century, still bears a trace of its former self. Blind alleys and lanes branch off from the one Main Street – La Grande Rue – and access the outside via gates and a postern (small door in a wall) on the river side.
In 1965, the village, originally named Champs, officially became Champs-sur-Yonne, thus marking its union with the river. Three mills between the 15th and 18th centuries and several trading ‘ports’ for wine, greatly contributed to the development of the village. This growth was also thanks to the presence of an illustrious family from Champs: the Binoches. From 1845 to 1863, Adolphe Binoche made his fortune in Brazil as a trader and importer of silk and cloth. He inherited the family home in Champs and enlarged it, purchasing surrounding property. He also built the Sombron Fountain. He continued to develop the area throughout his life, and was a generous local philanthropist.
Champs Sur Yonne Fontaine Sombron
Plan De Champs En 1812 Ady V2
Carte Postale De Leglise De Champs Ad89 2fi 1918 3
