Discover the Canton of Nolay: Market Halls, Saint-Martin and Walking Trails

Nolay brings together buildings from several centuries and opportunities for walks and hikes: the choice ranges from a short self-guided circuit to a challenging 49-kilometre route. The specific differences can help you shape your trip around your interests.

Historic centre and architecture

Nolay’s historic centre is home to a group of connected houses dating from the 15th to the 17th century. The Halles de Nolay were built in 1388 and are among the oldest surviving buildings of their kind in France. Their four-sided roof is covered with Burgundian stone tiles, or limestone slabs. The roof’s shape and material give you a specific architectural detail to look out for when viewing the building.

The parish church of Saint-Martin reflects a different timespan: its construction phases range from the 16th to the 19th century, and its Gothic spire stands 38 metres high. The Halles, with their specific construction date, thus contrast with a religious building whose history spans several centuries.

The Musée d’histoire et de paléontologie is accessible only as part of a guided tour. If you plan to visit, check in advance when a tour might be available during your stay. The Nocturnes Théâtrales offer a different way to discover Nolay’s history: this playful walking tour introduces characters from the town’s past. The performances feature around ten theatrical scenes, presented by approximately fifty volunteers. Check the dates before your trip if this type of event would suit your stay.

Valley, vineyards and wooded slopes

Nolay lies at the bottom of the Cosanne Valley and offers views of vineyards, farmland and forests. The ZNIEFF Cirque du Bout du Monde includes Nolay; its description, dated 2024, mentions limestone cliffs, wooded slopes and a forested valley basin with a tufa waterfall. Habitats may change over time. The landscape therefore combines open areas with wooded and rocky terrain.

Comparing walks and hiking trails

The GR 7 crosses Nolay from north to south and passes through the town centre. La Voie des Vignes runs from Nolay to Chagny along a former railway line and is accessible to everyone. For planning purposes, the routes described differ in where they lead: the GR 7 passes through the town centre, while Nolay and Chagny are listed as the endpoints of the Voie des Vignes.

The Balade de Nolay is a two-kilometre circuit that you can walk independently. There is also Nolay, le nez en l’air, a playful discovery walk for families that takes about an hour. A questionnaire helps you identify the locations in town where photos were taken. The formats offer different things to focus on: the Balade gives the route length, while the family walk gives an approximate duration and a search for photo locations.

A much longer option is the Sentier Jean Marc Boivin: this challenging hiking trail is 49 kilometres long and involves 1,500 metres of ascent. It runs between Nolay, La Rochepot and the Maranges vineyards. Check trail conditions before setting out. An overview of the hiking options is provided by a map showing 31 signposted routes; route details may be updated, so check the specific information before your hike.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Aubin, Clomot, Thury, Fontaine-Française, Savigny-Lès-Beaune, Eringes, Fénay, Levernois.

For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.