A typical town of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Nolay is nestled in a valley between vineyards and cliffs. It has retained its medieval architecture, full of charm and exceptional halls, bearing witness to a long merchant tradition.
From the Halles, a classified Historical Monument, built over 600 years ago, discover the old merchants’ houses, some of which have kept the coats of arms of the corporations to which they were home. Stroll through the narrow pedestrian streets to discover in turn the rusticated house dating back to 1562, the half-timbered houses (including the Auberge du Centre), houses with multiple skylights, and the house of columns. This little Burgundy town is also rich in religious heritage, including the Church of St Martin with its impressive 38-metre-high Gothic spire, as well as the little Chapel of St Pierre with its curious bulb-shaped bell tower. And to soak up the authentic atmosphere of Nolay, set aside some time for the local sights: the Museum of History and Palaeontology (accessible only for guided tours), the House of Charity, a former 18th-century hospital, and the courtyard of the House of the Tanners (a private site accessible by the Esperanto Gallery).
To the North West, a limestone cliff 40 metres high, vineyards, valleys and hills: these are the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. Twenty or so wine villages have established their vineyards there on the best located hillsides. This generous land is all about simplicity and freshness.
Fancy immersing yourself in nature? Nolay offers some very diverse hiking routes. Choose between the path of the 3 Carnot, a picturesque circuit of 12 km, or the Jean Marc Boivin path, a beautiful, challenging 49 km get-away-from-it-all route. The Ridges and Combes Trail lets you enjoy the cliff-top scenery, or maybe you’re tempted by the End of the World Tour. This energetic loop lets you discover majestic limestone cliffs and a cirque from where a waterfall 25 m high springs into view.
Born in Nolay, Lazare Carnot, a brilliant scientist and student of Gaspard Monge, King's officer, was excited by revolutionary ideas. As a general, he would be responsible in 1793 for organising and running the 14 armies of the nascent Republic. Discover the monument erected in his memory. The statue shows the scientist and his compass on a pedestal, conventionally dressed, ordering victory to arise where he points his finger.
Nolay is a lively place nearly all year round: OeNolay Tours, craft exhibitions, paintings, Night Theatre, From Grape to Glass, music festival, Sculpture Biennial, flea markets and fairs ... Come and visit us at any time of year. There's something for all tastes, young and old!
