Noyers-sur-Serein

Visit Noyers-sur-Serein, Burgundy

South east of Auxerre in the Yonne department of Burgundy, Noyers (full name Noyers-sur-Serein) is a village in the pretty setting of the Chablis countryside on the banks of the River Serein and is a listed 'most beautiful village of France'.

Explore Noyers

Noyers is a very attractive village with a well-preserved 15th century medieval centre which successfully creates the impression that you have entered into another era (despite the presence of a couple of small supermarkets!)

Enter the village through one of the 19 of the original 23 fortified gates and towers that are still standing and give access to the town centre. Inside the walls you will discover numerous traditional colombage and stone houses.

Within the walls simply stroll along the cobbled streets, each as impressive as the next, with the half-timbered old houses bending under the weight of the centuries. There are also a selection of cafes and a small number of gift shops in the centre of Noyers-sur-Serein.

Buildings of particular interest in Noyers include the 17th century town hall with its ornate facade, the 15th century church of Notre-Dame with a square tower decorated with gargoyles, the 19th century lavoir (public linen washing area) and the remains of a castle. In total there are 78 classified historic monuments in the town!

The church meanwhile is not quite in the medieval centre, but is close by. Unusual, because in most medieval settlements the church is at the heart of the village. Perhaps the centre of Noyers has moved a little over the centuries? The church is still within the fortifications.

There is also an important museum of Naive Art in Noyers-sur-Serein.

The enjoyment of a visit continues outside the fortified walls where you can walk along the river bank to see the remains of the old castle, and also get a different perspective on the town itself - along with the chance to see more beautiful buildings poised above the ramparts.

To see the lavoir (and a very scenic view along the river) walk straight out along the road from the main town entrance gate.

Attractions nearby

The rolling countryside around Noyers contains many picturesque villages, towns and historic monuments. Among our personal favourites are the abbey at Fontenay and the small town of Semur-en-Auxois.

Photos of Noyers-sur-Serein (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Noyers-sur-Serein: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Noyers-sur-Serein, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Chablis 20km; Avallon 24km; Montbard 27km; Fontenay Abbey 29km; Pontigny 32km; Vezelay 32km; Auxerre 34km; Semur-en-Auxois 34km; Bussy-Rabutin Chateau 42km; Clamecy 44km; Flavigny 45km; Chatillon-sur-Seine 47km; Morvan Regional Park 50km; Saulieu 50km; Corbigny 54km; Joigny 55km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Noyers-sur-Serein

Noyers-sur-Serein tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin du moulin de Athie - remarkable garden (24km) : Abbaye de Fontenay (Montbard) - religious monument (27km) : Abbaye de Fontenay - remarkable garden (30km) : Abbaye de Pontigny (Pontigny) - religious monument (32km) : Basilique Sainte Madeleine (Vezelay) - religious monument (32km) : Potager du château de Lantilly - remarkable garden (33km) : Eglise de Saint Martial (Seignelay) - religious monument (37km) : Jardin du prieuré - remarkable garden (40km) :

French version: see Noyers-sur-Serein (Francais)