The canton of Nolay combines striking historic architecture with walking options ranging from a self-guided loop to a challenging route. The market halls dating from 1388 and the 38-metre-high Gothic spire of Saint-Martin Parish Church provide tangible focal points for a cultural visit. Those looking to focus on physical activity will find routes of very different lengths.
Architecture and History in the Town Centre
The Nolay market halls were built in 1388 and are among the oldest surviving buildings of their kind in France. Their four-sided roof is covered with Burgundy limestone tiles, known as laves. The historic centre also contains a connected group of houses dating from the 15th to the 17th century.
Saint-Martin Parish Church also tells the story of a long building history: its construction phases span the 16th to the 19th century. The Gothic spire is 38 metres high. Together, the market halls, the houses in the historic centre and the church offer a range of architectural points of interest rather than representing just one period.
The Museum of History and Palaeontology can only be visited as part of a guided tour. If you are planning a museum visit, check in advance whether a guided tour is available.
The Cosanne Valley and Trails around Nolay
Nolay lies at the bottom of the Cosanne Valley and offers views of vineyards, farmland and forests. The ZNIEFF (Natural Zone of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest) Cirque du Bout du Monde includes Nolay. The area's landscape features include limestone cliffs, wooded slopes and a wooded valley basin with a tufa waterfall.
The GR 7 passes through Nolay from north to south and runs through the town centre. This makes it possible to see a long-distance hiking trail as a tangible part of the townscape. The walking options also include a map of 31 marked routes; for a specific hike, check the latest trail details.
The La Voie des Vignes runs from Nolay to Chagny along the route of a former railway line and is accessible to everyone. Alongside the hiking trails, it offers another way to explore the area actively. This does not imply a specific trail connection to any of the other routes mentioned here.
Walks and Longer Hikes
The Balade de Nolay is a two-kilometre loop that you can do independently. Nolay, le nez en l’air offers a different kind of outing: this fun discovery walk is aimed at families and takes about an hour. A questionnaire helps participants identify the places in town where photos were taken.
For a challenging hike, the Sentier Jean Marc Boivin is a much longer option: it is 49 kilometres long and includes 1,500 metres of ascent. The route runs between Nolay, La Rochepot and the Maranges vineyards. Check trail conditions before setting out. The two walks and this route differ not only in format but also substantially in their stated length or duration.
Plan for Cultural Events
The Nocturnes Théâtrales is a fun walking tour featuring characters from Nolay's history. Around ten theatrical scenes are performed by approximately fifty volunteers. If you would like to include this experience in your travel plans, check the event dates before your trip.
Nolay offers a range of cultural and active experiences; if you are planning a museum visit or an event, make sure to factor the relevant guided tour or dates into your plans.
Discover more destinations: Vandenesse-En-Auxois, Talant, Essey, Puligny-Montrachet, Channay, Saint-Philibert, Arc-Sur-Tille, Mont-Saint-Jean.
For the main travel overview: Cote-Dor.
