Noyers-sur-Serein

Noyers lies in a tight bend of the Serein, walled on the open side, and sixteen towers survive of the original defences along with two gates. Inside, the streets kept an unusual concentration of half-timbered houses from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, some with carved corner posts, and arcaded squares where markets were held; the Place de l'Hotel de Ville and the Place du Marche-au-Ble are both galleried. The ruined castle stands on the hill above and can be reached on foot. A museum in an old townhouse shows naive art, which is a slightly unexpected collection for a village of four hundred people.

What you actually see

• The sixteen towers - surviving defences around the river loop.
• The arcaded squares - galleried market places in the centre.
• The timber-framed houses - carved posts and overhanging storeys.
• The castle ruin - a hilltop climb above the village.

When to go

April to October; the museum and shops reduce in winter when the village is close to empty. Summer weekends bring visitors but it never becomes crowded.

Honest expectations

There are few facilities and little open outside the season. The castle is a genuine ruin with a steep path. Public transport is essentially absent.

Nearby

Chablis lies northwest; Avallon and the Morvan are south.