The fortified medieval village is a hidden gem and is like stepping back in time to the 14th and 15th centuries
Paris, Cannes and Burgundy are typically the first ports of call for those touring France. Yet, a quiet renaissance in the French countryside is offering a hidden treasure for those seeking a more genuine and picturesque experience.
Among the lesser-known jewels of France’s rural retreat is Noyers-sur-Serein, a fortified medieval village tucked away in the heart of Burgundy. This village, recognised as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (or The Most Beautiful Villages in France), feels more like a step back in time than a contemporary tourist hotspot.
Its allure lies in its well-preserved buildings, some harking back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
The Musée de la Maison à Colombages, or Half-Timbered House Museum, is a museum dedicated to the region’s traditional building techniques for unique half-timbered houses, exhibiting local craftsmanship and materials.
Maryanne Sparkes, a specialist in French river cruises at European Waterways, explained that the village’s undeniable charm comes from its resemblance to something from a fairytale rather than reality, reports the Express.
She said: “Noyers-sur-Serein is straight out of a real-life history book. With cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses built on stone archways, walking here feels like you’ve stepped onto the set of a historical film.”
From the stone archways of medieval fortifications and the tranquil banks of the Serein River, to the delightful Romanesque churches, every nook and cranny is steeped in a history that began with its foundation by the king of the Sequani Gaul tribe just before the Roman conquest.
Noyers-sur-Serein is encircled by medieval ramparts and defensive towers that remain intact. A stroll along these fortifications offers breathtaking panoramic views of the village and the surrounding countryside.
Despite its historical significance, Noyers-sur-Serein remains delightfully under the radar for international tourists.
This makes it a perfect destination for those seeking to avoid the crowds without sacrificing the fairy-tale atmosphere that often attracts visitors to the more renowned spots.
