Noyers-sur-Serein is a medieval town and is one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France). The townscape is not defined by a single building: half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and a succession of small squares shape the town. These features offer a starting point when choosing where to stay. Architecture and art collections, walks along the Serein, summer music, and wine-related activities and carriage rides offer different options. This lets you decide whether the medieval townscape, a cultural program or a specific activity should be the main focus of your trip.
Old Town, Architectural History and Art
The parish church of Notre-Dame has been protected as a Monument historique since April 11, 1906, and features building phases from 1491 and 1515. This distinguishes two historical reference points: the building phases and its later protected status. The Musée des Arts Naïfs et Populaires de Noyers offers a different focus. The museum presents collections of naïve and folk art across three floors and 1,500 m² of exhibition space. The church and museum offer different perspectives on Noyers: one is a historic building with a dated construction history, the other houses art collections in a multi-story exhibition space. The Maison de la Toison d'Or is an architectural and cultural highlight in the medieval part of Noyers, which lies between the town and the fortress.
Town Walk and Vieux Château
La Serpentine is an interpretive trail at the site of the Vieux Château. It includes nature, historical and artistic sections, dividing the exploration into different themes. A walk along the Serein leads to steps that provide access to the site of the Vieux Château, which overlooks the valley. La Serpentine’s thematic sections and the riverside landscape thus offer different perspectives on the area. The Bureau d'Information Touristique also offers guided tours of the medieval town for groups of six or more. If you are planning a group tour, check the schedule before your trip.
Music, Wine and Carriage Rides
A seasonal highlight is the Rencontres Musicales de Noyers, held every summer since 1990. Over three weeks in July, the festival features concerts and public masterclasses. If you want to plan your trip around the Rencontres, check the specific event dates when choosing your travel days.
The Domaine des Pergolas also offers its own activities: the winery offers tastings of its wines in its cellars and carriage rides in Noyers. These include a 20-minute historical tour and a carriage ride with an aperitif, wine and snacks. The historical tour is listed as lasting 20 minutes; the aperitif carriage ride combines the journey with wine and snacks. This lets you choose between a historical tour of a specified duration and an experience accompanied by food and drink.
Discover more destinations: Châtel-Gérard, Vinneuf, Sauvigny-Le-Bois, Lucy-sur-Yonne, Mézilles, Domecy-Sur-Cure, La Belliole, Taingy.
For the broader travel overview: Yonne.
