The village of Noyers-Sur-Serein is located in the department Yonne, in the north of Burgundy region. This scenic medieval village (also called Noyers) is a romantic place full of history. Noyers is a relatively small village and therefore perfect for a day trip and easy to combine with a visit to Chablis or Beaune. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Noyers. What to do in Noyers, where to sleep and where to eat in Noyers-sur-Serein. We hope you are going to enjoy this old historical cute village as much as we do. Enjoy reading!
Noyers-sur-Serein
Founded more than 2000 years ago by a Gallic king, the village of Noyers-sur-Serein has a long history. Around the 10th century AD a large castle, château de Noyers, was built on a hill overlooking the city. Over the years, the city took on a prominent role in the Duchy of Burgundy and became a successful trading post in Burgundy. Popular products to trade were wine and grain. Accordingly, the city prospered and the castle became an impregnable fortress. Due to the strategic location of the castle and the prosperity of the village, Noyers-sur-Serein became a threat to the King of France. The Duke of Noyers had become too influential.
At the end of the 16th century, the castle was demolished by order of the king. The city of Noyers-sur-Serein was further built up with the stones of the castle (including the city wall) and remained an important city in Burgundy. The city wall, the elevated position and the river Serein made Noyers-sur-Serein a city that was difficult to besiege and conquer.
Today Noyers-sur-Serein is above all one of the most beautiful villages in the Bourgogone. The village is not big. It still has the same dimensions as in the Middle Ages and almost all houses date from that time. I dare say with certainty that Noyers is one of the nicest places in Burgundy! If château de Noyers hadn’t been demolished it would probably have been one of the most impressive castles of France. A small initiative has started to rebuild the castle (ruins) and make it the pride of Burgundy again.
Where is Noyers-sur-Serein located in Burgundy, France?
Noyers is located in the north of Burgundy, in the Yonne department. It sits on the small river Serein, which can be seen just outside the city wall. Behind the village you will find the ruins of the old castle of Noyers-sur-Serein. From larger cities such as Chablis and Auxerre you can reach this place in about 30 minutes by car. View the map of Burgundy with Noyers below. This map also shows the wine regions in Burgundy.
Map of Noyers in Burgundy: highlights of the Burgundy region
In transit through France? Read all about Épernay and the northern Champagne region here.
Things to do in Noyers-sur-Serein
Even though Noyers-sur-Serein is a small town, there are fun things to do and beautiful sights. Enough to keep you entertained for an afternoon or even all day.
1. City walk in Noyers-Sur-Serein
The tourism office of Noyers has set out a nice city walk. This walk takes about an hour and takes you past some very nice places in the village of Noyers. While walking, you will pass the remains of the city wall and city gate, the river Serein and you walk through narrow streets and alleys. In the meantime, you can read more about Noyers, its history and the crazy myths that have arisen about this city. For example, one of the towers is called “the tower of the wolf” because according to the stories there was a wolf trapped in the basement that howled every night.
Admire the beautiful half-timbered houses, squares and the market. Walkthrough small alleys, past the church and look for the statue of the black cat on one of the roofs.
2. Visit the ruins of the castle of Noyers-sur-Serein
The city walk also takes you in the direction of the ruins of the castle of Noyers-sur-Serein (Château de Noyers). These are well hidden, on top of a dense hill. Walk along the waters of the River Serein, which bends to the right. After about a hundred meters, you will find a sign on your left indicating the direction of the ruins and a staircase leading up the hill. It is a bit of a climb, but after about 400 steps you are at the top.
Keep in mind that there is hardly anything left of the castle to be seen. You walk a route over the tree-covered hill where Château de Noyers once stood. Nevertheless, this is a fun trip. Partly because of the beautiful routes that are well signposted and the information boards that tell more about the history of the castle, life in the castle and the former architecture. You also have several vantage points from where you can see the beautiful city of Noyers-sur-Serein.
In total, you have two itineraries. The first itinerary goes over the hill and past the ruins. You will also pass the place where the ruins are being restored and you actually see something of the old castle. The second itinerary runs through what used to be the castle gardens, a beautiful green environment. Both routes take about an hour to walk.
3. Visit the market and handicraft shops in Noyers
Noyers-sur-Serein is known for its beautiful handicraft shops. You’ll find porcelain, leather goods and local art here. There are also a number of antique and flea shops in Noyers. Of course, there are also shops who sell wine and other alcoholic products.
It is nice to walk through the village and look around the beautiful shops. You will also find a market here every Wednesday morning with local specialities.
4. Visit the museum of naive arts in Noyers-sur-Serein
Do you have no idea what the naive arts are? Then visit the Musée des Arts Naïfs et Populaires. Housed in a beautiful building in the center of Noyers, this museum contains a large collection of naive art. Naive art is a form of visual art that looks almost childlike. A lot of colors is used and the images are generally cheerful.
In the Musée des Arts Naïfs et Populaires you will find a large collection of South European, Asian and Latin American art. Admission is 4 euros per person and the museum is open every day except Tuesdays. 
5. Visit the vineyards around Chablis
From Noyers-sur-Serein you are in no time in the wine region of the Yonne department. You will find the famous Chablis vineyards here. But also wine villages such as Irancy and Saint-Bris-le-Vineux and Chitry are nearby.
A fun activity from Noyers-sur-Serein is to visit these vineyards and wine villages. Stop by a winery for a tasting or take a bike ride between the vines.
Read all about Chablis and the wine villages in the Yonne here!
Restaurants in Noyers-sur-Serein
There are several restaurants in the pleasant center of Noyers-sur-Serein. Restaurant Les Millésimes, which is part of the charcuterie and wine shop Maison Paillot, is highly recommended. The luxurious menu contains traditional French dishes that you can eat on the cozy terrace or in one of the beautiful rooms.
The Maison Paillot charcuterie and wine shop offers local specialties. In the afternoon sun we ate various quiches in front of the shop and the local speciality Gougère (a kind of large cheese puffs). Truly delicious!
Restaurant La Vieille Tour in the center of Noyers is also very nice. Here too you will find a cosy terrace and the owner is very hospitable. For 29 euros you can eat a starter, main course, cheese platter and dessert here.
Would you also like to taste champagne? Consider going to the Côte des Bar, just 1.5 hours from Burgundy. Read all about the Côte des Bar here.
Hotels in Noyers-sur-Serein
Below you will find three cute hotels in Noyers-sur-Serein. Do you like camping? There is also a small nature campsite in Noyers-sur-Serein. Click here for the location.
This cute hotel in Noyers has a beautiful garden and swimming pool. You sleep here from €85 per night (2 persons).
Le Tabellion €€
This lovely hotel in the center of Noyers has French rooms! You sleep here from €96 per night including breakfast.
Le Prieuré €€
This beautiful estate just outside Noyers has a library, wine cellar and large garden! From €100 per night (2 persons).
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Thank you! Very impressive description of this village. My family will visit in October.
Ooo ejoy! It will be so lovely!
Kind regards,
Charlotte