A Day off in Noyers

May 2, 2025

I needed a day off the bike. Though getting stronger each day, I thought it best to take a rest day and tend to some needed chores: laundry, organizing and planning for the trip to Annecy, and catching up a bit on the blog. It was another day in the string of glorious weather that I've been so lucky to experience. I spent a large part of the day outside, enjoying Carla's garden and wandering the streets of Noyers. I'll take you with me on my stroll, but beware - photo dump ahead.

An afternoon in the garden

Carla’s house has a wonderful sunny backyard space that on this spring day was full of flowering shrubs. Carla and Alex typically spend the May holidays here in Noyers, taking great delight in the garden. This year Carla has been in Argentina and she encouraged me to enjoy the garden in her stead. Like the good girl I was raised to be, I did what I was asked and promised to share pictures.

Enjoying my time in the garden with a little lunch while journaling

Strolling through town

Noyers-sur-Serein is a medieval village with timbered buildings, cobbled lanes and small squares and alleyways filled with restaurants, galleries and shops. In short, it’s a bit of a tourist town. But also a charming village not normally overrun with hordes of people. I first visited in Noyers ten years ago, not long after Carla bought her house here. At the time, there seemed to be scores of ex-Pats who had discovered Noyers and were in the process of buying rundown village houses and fixing them up for vacation homes. For sale signs were plentiful, the prices were ridiculously low, and I was tempted. But I missed my chance to jump into the French real estate market. Today, the prices are higher, for sale signs are rare, and most of the houses have been spruced up a bit.

Some of the half-timbered buildings surrounding the main square in Noyers

Small court yards and archways add to the charm of the town

There are still a few rundown houses in need of refurbishing

A nicely refurbished home with a flair for color

I particularly liked the coordinated color scheme

For sale - and it doesn't appear to need a complete redo

Another species for my inanimate bird collection

A bit of religion and history

Completed in 1515, Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption de Noyers-sur-Serein is a Flamboyant style gothic cathedral that towers over the village of Noyers. Although Carla’s house is directly across the street from the church, I’ve never been curious enough to take a long look at either its exterior or interior features. I had a closer look today, but did not glean too much detail as to either the historical or religious significance. Maybe next time I’m in town.

The church is so tall that it was impossible to get a good shot from the ground so I took one from the web. Photo by Christophe.Finot https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Noyers-sur-Serein_-_Eglise_Notre-Dame_23.jpg.

But the more interesting, to me, side portal was open

A sculpture carved into the wall of the side entryway

The interior of the church was dimly lit - not so good for shots of the church interior, except for the stained glass windows illuminated by the late afternoon sun

Well that's all for now. Another bike ride is on the schedule for tomorrow so stay tuned.

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	9
Comment on this entry	Comment	4

Nancy GrahamStarting out, I was about to heart love your photos. Then saw that I would be doing that to every one of them! What an idyllic village and how sad that you ‘missed the boat’ of home sales as you love France so much and this would suit you so well. The garden for writing/blogging could not be more beautiful or pleasant. I would find it hard to leave that place.

Good for you to take some time off the bike to allow your body to continue to build its strength.
Reply to this comment
2 weeks ago

Karen PoretTo Nancy GrahamDitto from me as well for you, Susan! :)
Reply to this comment
2 weeks ago

Susan CarpenterTo Nancy GrahamThanks Nancy - it turned out to be a perfect place to take the final steps in recovering from the fall and ensuing complications. Not 100% yet, but well on my way
Reply to this comment
2 weeks ago

Susan CarpenterTo Karen PoretThanks Karen
Reply to this comment
2 weeks ago