the village
Noyers sur Serein is a stunningly beautiful medieval village in the heart of the Yonne region of Burgundy, near to Chablis, Vezelay, Avallon and Auxerre. With good reason, it has been officially recognised as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
It has a market every Wednesday morning, selling local produce from stalls in the town square. It has a full range of shops, galleries and cafes and is a lively place to visit. Every July it hosts an international classical music festival and in November there is the annual truffle fair.
Click here for more information about the area and places to visit
Things to see and do in Noyers
Visit the website of the Noyers tourist office to find a full list of things to do in the village
Some of our favourites include:
Poterie Squire, the local artisan pottery in the Noyers village square for beautiful handmade ceramics. The beautiful tiles in the gite kitchen were made by Andy and Claire from the poterie.
La Porte Peinte, the gallery, gift shop and café across the road from the main house’s front door. Visiting artists from all of the world come to do residencies here. A great place for coffee or an amazing range of herbal teas.
Annual classical music festival, every July Noyers sur Serein hosts a festival featuring world famous classical musicians. Book tickets for concerts, wander in and out of the free masterclasses, or just walk around - you can hear musicians practising through open windows…
Annual truffle fair each November. A great spectacle at the beginning and end of November, buy local truffles or sample truffle omelettes and other truffle-based delicacies from the stalls in the village square.
Maison Paillot, the beautiful delicatessen and butchers shop in the main square of the village. A fantastic selection of house-produced pates and other delicacies and a great selection of quality wines. Or you can visit their restaurant next door.
Nearby
just a few of the Things to see and do in the surrounding area
Chablis
Home to the world-famous white wine, the charming yet tiny city of Chablis has a lovely market every Sunday morning, and a range of shops and restaurants. Or visit the wineries, all around the village and beyond, for a tasting of their superb Chablis wine.
Beaune and the Côte d’or
Just an hour and a quarter away by car, all the traditional wine tour locations of the Côte d’Or can be reached, such as Beaune, Meursault, and Puligny Montrachet. It may look far away on the map, but it is an easy journey by car.
Lac des Settons
Fancy a day by the seaside? The Lac des Settons provides a charming inland equivalent to a day on the beach. Rent a pedalo or canoe, picnic on the beach or swim in the clean waters of the lake, which is actually a reservoir. Eat lunch at one of the restaurants or sip a beer on the terrace of the bar.
Vézelay
The picturesque street leading up the hill through the centre of the village of Vézelay is lined with restaurants, galleries and cafes. At the top is the basilica of Saint-Marie-Madeleine, a UNESCO World Heritage site and its grounds, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Avallon
Visit this beautiful medieval city, which marks the entrance to the Morvan National Park. For an unusual bit of culture, visit the museum of costume, or just wander through the beautiful streets and enjoy the atmosphere
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain
The charming hilltop village (which was the location for the film Chocolat) is a gorgeous place for a day trip. If the abbey, the medieval alleys and the ramparts suggest its past grandeur, do not forget that this picturesque town, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is also a hotspot!
Abbaye de Fontenay
The 12th century abbey at Fontenay is in a remarkable state of preservation is due to the remoteness of its leafy valley setting. A superb place to visit in order to refresh the spirit, the abbey has UNESCO World Heritage status and is often used as a location for films and concerts.
La Fabuloserie
La Fabuloserie, is an amazing museum, showcasing the extraordinary creations of self-taught artists. The “museum-house” exhibits over a thousand works, and outside “the inhabited garden”, displays spectacular outdoor sculptures.
Auxerre
The historical centre of Auxerre is a great place to visit for a lively afternoon out. The city was granted “Town of Art and History” status in 1995. Sights to see including the Abbey, the cathedral, the narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses. Also an award-winning chocolate shop and patisserie, for those with a sweet tooth.