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Origin and history

The castle of Noyers-sur-Serein, built before the 11th century by the lords of Noyers, was a major medieval fortress in Burgundy. Originally composed of a square dungeon and a chapel, it was enlarged in the 13th century by Hugues de Noyers, bishop of Auxerre, who added a seigneurial house, a triple enclosure and deep ditches. Turned into a modern stronghold, it became one of the most beautiful castles in France, controlling a vast network of fiefs.

In the 14th century Miles X de Noyers, Marshal of France and royal councillor, ceded the suzerainety of the castle to the Duke of Burgundy Robert II, integrating Noyers with the duchy. The fortress played a key role during the Hundred Years' War, resisting English rides and the Great Companies. In 1366, the Duke Philippe of Burgundy stayed there on a trip to Avignon. The lineage of the lords of Noyers gradually extinguished, leaving room for Burgundian and then royal owners.

In the 16th century, the castle became an issue of the Wars of Religion under Louis de Bourbon, Prince of Condé and Huguenot leader. Assiegé on several occasions, he was taken in 1568 by Catholics, then taken over by Protestants before being dismantled by order of Charles IX. During the League (1589-1595), he changed many times between royalists and leaguers, notably under the Baron de Viteaux, known for his cruelty. Henry IV ordered his final destruction in 1599 to avoid further revolts.

The ruins, partially preserved until the 18th century, were used as a stone quarry. In 1789 the Count of Luynes sold the last outbuildings. Today, the site, searched and partially restored since 1998 by associations, reveals remains of towers and courtines. Ranked among the most imposing fortresses of Burgundy, it bears witness to an enlivened military and political past.

Architecturally, the castle occupied a rocky spur overlooking the Serein, with a triple enclosure, more than twenty towers and ditches carved in the rock. The lower courtyard housed housing and chapel, while the original dungeon, surrounded by ramparts, formed the defensive heart. Castles with drawbridge connected the fortress to the closed city, itself protected by walls. This device made it an almost stunning place, strategically located between Champagne and Burgundy.

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