Between Paris And Geneva Is A Medieval Village With Ancient Towers, Quaint Shops, And Cobbled Streets

Entering the village of Noyers-sur-Serein in east-central France may feel as if you've stepped into the pages of a medieval storybook. You must pass through a medieval gatehouse beneath an archway that crests the uneven yet charming cobbles that pave so much of Europe. These stones are partly sourced from the ancient protective walls that used to surround the town, once providing defense and now giving residents and tourists alike the very ground beneath their feet (per Destination Grand Vézelay). Historic structures with timber-beam façades, rivers of cobblestone streets, and ruins of an ancient castle set the stage for a wondrous adventure back in time. Set amidst the region of Burgundy's lush wine country, the riparian commune rests along the River Serein, whose fortified gates have guarded Noyers since the 13th century. 

Streets hewn from age-old stone pass by half-timbered homes built in Tudor style (which the French call half-timbered or bâtiments à colombages), archways, and charming shops where artisans produce or sell their works. Towers constructed in the 1200s that helped protect the town from unfriendly insurgencies remain standing around Noyers. Ruins of a castle dating back to the 1100s that overlooks the town can still be explored. Populated by just over 700 residents, Noyers-sur-Serein is an enchanting getaway that appears to be straight out of a historic French romance novel. 

Considered — and labeled officially (via Les Plus Beaux Villages de France) — as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Noyers feels magical — if you have seen the movie "Chocolat," you may recognize it as it was filmed on location. Among the features evoking that feeling of whimsical beauty are the ruins of an ancient castle perched on a hill above the village. Built in the 12th century like Château de Chenonceau, France's famous fairytale castle in the Loire Valley three hours away, the Castle of Noyers-sur-Serein didn't survive the centuries as well, which gives it its own rugged charm. Farzad on Google wrote of the castle remnants, "An isolated site steeped in history. Only ruins remain, but a marked trail provides plenty of information and offers a beautiful view of the village."

About 82 miles from the town of Dijon, a mini Paris without the crowds also in Burgundy, Noyers is the backdrop for several French movies needing a historic setting. Ancient towers served various purposes in this fortified village and are seen from the cobbled streets laid in the Middle Ages. A popular trade destination, the streets likely needed to be paved to support traffic bearing heavy cargo, like grain and wine. Nearly 60 feet tall, Le Porte Peinte serves as the entrance to Noyer's walkable center as well as a space for artists of many mediums to reside. La Tour Cachée (now part of the Hospice Saint-Nicolas), La Tour Grosse, and La Tour de la Cave au Loup (which translates to the wolf's den) all tower over town, visual reminders of a once volatile, war-torn past. 

Maybe most medieval villages aren't known for their shops, but Noyers has a bit of modernity when it comes to perusing gifts, gadgets, and artisanally crafted goods. Emmy Plantes and Déco has shelves lined with flora, fine French pottery and ceramics, plus housewares and décor made of natural materials such as blown glass, wood, and linen. Leather designers Yazmhil et Brice Corman will craft custom creations from their Noyers shop. Emily S. on Tripadvisor noted in her review, "Yazmhil and Brice made me the most beautiful bag when I visited Noyers recently. I walked into the shop and fell in love with all of their products — they have a wide array of amazing colors and so many styles with excellent workmanship!"

At L'Hirondelle, find women's fashions inspired by the '50s and '60s along with accessories, genuine Monoi flower oils from Tahiti, and some men's clothing. End a visit to this ancient area by shopping for antiques at Galeries des Arcades, which local guide on Google, Capucine R., wrote is, "A very beautiful antique shop with a wide selection and various prices where everyone can find a treasure; the owner is welcoming, [and] it was a pleasure to discover this place rich in antique objects." 

Between Geneva, Switzerland, 221 miles away and two hours from Paris by car, flying into the Aéroport d'Auxerre-Branches, 40 minutes away, is the easiest route to Noyers-sur-Serein by air. Paris' Orly Airport is a two-hour drive from the village as well. Journeys through medieval France can continue after sightseeing and shopping in Noyers. Head to Troyes about 50 miles north, an alluring medieval destination famous for shopping and Champagne.