What?
A charming walled medieval village.
Why visit?
This sleepy village is almost picture perfect- from its medieval walls and timbered houses with easy access to the countryside for long walks through green fields.
Where?
In Burgundy, about 3 hours south of Paris. Map.
BURGUNDY MUST BE my favourite French region. It is easily reached from Paris. Yet if feels like a different country (which, for many years, it was: Burgundy was an independent state, only to be annexed by France in the late 15th century.)
Noyers to me typifies Burgundy: beautiful stonework, historic buildings, green fields, streaming water, moss, and impressive trees. Stones, moss, water: it sounds like enough to make a zen monk salivate and indeed, Noyers is peaceful and calming.
It is situated outside the main wine-growing areas and although it does get some visitors (and has been selected as one of France's 100 most beautiful villages), usually it is a quiet village that pretty much looks like it did a few 100 years ago (if you take away the randomly parked cars that is.) If you spend a few days here you'll probaby get to know all 700 inhabitants quickly enough.
Noyers sits in a meandering loop of the slow-moving Serein, a small stream that historically has been used to power the local mill. The town is protected by the original medieval walls, featuring 19 towers, and surrounded by the river on 3 sides. On the east side, the river comes close to the town, leaving just enough space for a pleasant walking path between town walls and river.
Promenading along the Serein river, just outside the walls. |
Stone buildings, old trees and moss are all part of the zen-like Burgundy landscape. |
Noyers-sur-Serein's main square. |
Carvings on one of the many half-timbered houses. |
The view through the gate on the southern end of town... |
...as well as through the gate on the north side. |
A Renaissance house, with elaborate stonework and a gabled window. |
Here's your word-of-the-day: Noyers is rich in pollarded trees. |
Blue 2CV... |
Blue shutters... |
Blue table and stools.... |
Useful links:
Noyers Tourist Office
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