In the surroundings

Welcome to Nolay: Burgundy charm, gastronomy and great pleasures

Welcome to Nolay, a little local gem nestling in the heart of the Côte-d’Or, where history flirts with nature and where you can take your time, whether as a couple or as a family. Here, you can stroll through the charming historic and medieval centre. With its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, old stones and old-fashioned charm, you’ll almost feel as if you’re meeting a knight… Don’t miss a visit to the 14th-century Halles (covered market), which stands proudly in the heart of the village: this is where grain prices were once negotiated… and perhaps today the best local cheese, who knows? Then, in Nolay, take a breath of fresh air at the ‘end of the world’: yes, the name is a bit frightening, but the circus du Bout du Monde of the world has nothing to do with a tragic end. It’s a natural wonder, a deep valley with breathtaking cliffs and lush vegetation. You can get there on foot from Nolay, and there’s a waterfall (if the weather cooperates) and a little hrave of peace where calm reigns. Just the thing to recharge your batteries!

For those brave enough to travel by bike, the old railway line has been transformed into a cycle and pedestrian path through Nolay, inviting you to take a gentle stroll through vineyards, villages and forests.

Last but not least, it’s impossible to stop off in Burgundy without tasting it! Nolay is also a prime wine-growing location. Surrounded by great names such as Santenay, Meursault and Pommard, the town is the ideal base camp for discovering the wonders of the region, but it’s also a treat for the taste buds! Friendly winemakers, intimate cellars and aromas to make a sommelier blush… Cheers (in moderation!).

Disconnecting at the Nolay lake: between swimming and relaxing

On a hot summer’s day, what could be more enjoyable than taking a dip… without having to cross the whole of France to get to the sea! The Nolay lake is the local beach, Burgundy-style, without the sandwich-stealing seagulls! Directly accessible from the campsite and free of charge (no need to load up, after all), this little stretch of water is the cool spot par excellence when the sun is beating down a little hard. There are no giant waves or sharks here, but supervised swimming in summer is ideal for all the family to enjoy in complete peace of mind!

Put your towel down on the grass and all you have to do is relax. If you’re feeling sporty, you can go for a swim or two, while others can opt for a combination of nap and sunbathing. To each his own, that’s the holiday!

And if you’ve got little adventurers on the go, the good news is that there’s a play area nearby to keep them occupied.

The area is calm, green and surrounded by nature. Perfect for an impromptu picnic or a photogenic sunset.

Hiking around Nolay: between fresh air and breathtaking scenery

Whether you’re a Sunday walker, an experienced hiker or simply curious about nature, the trails around Nolay have everything you need to convince you to set off on an adventure. Here are just a few of the routes we’ve selected…

We’ll start with the must-see: the Cirque du Bout du Monde. Just a few kilometres from the campsite, this is THE local star hike. Don’t be fooled by its dramatic name, there’s no final precipice here, just a magnificent natural cirque with limestone cliffs, lush vegetation and sometimes even a waterfall… Accessible to all abilities, this walk is ideal for a breath of fresh air and postcard-perfect views.

The Voie Verte, a former railway line converted into a multi-activity trail, runs through Nolay, taking you gently through vineyards, forests and charming little villages. On foot, mountain bike or scooter, you can follow the route at your own pace and admire the surrounding countryside. It’s flat, it’s pretty and there’s often a gourmet break at the finish. What more could you ask for?

If your calves like a challenge, climb to Mont de Rome-Château, which offers a superb view over the valley. It’s a bit more uphill, but the reward is worth the diversions: a breathtaking panorama.

And as this is something of a local cliché, there are also a number of signposted trails that take you through the heart of the Burgundy vineyards. The perfect opportunity to combine culture, nature and terroir. You might come across a few winegrowers, a few snails, and certainly plenty of reasons to stop and admire.

Beaune and its Hospices: Burgundy with a capital ‘B‘

Beaune, around 20kms from the campsite, is the capital of Burgundy wines… but not only! It’s also a town that combines heritage, culture, fine wines and charming cobbled streets. And of course, a must-see if you’re travelling around the area. In short, the perfect cocktail for a day out. Without the traffic jams, but in moderation of course.

You can’t visit Beaune without stopping off at the Hospices, that emblematic monument you’ve probably already seen somewhere… or maybe on a wine label. This Gothic masterpiece, founded in 1443, was originally a hospital for the destitute (but a building with a certain class).With its glazed roofs made of coloured tiles, inner courtyard worthy of a film set, historic rooms and medieval pharmacy, the visit is as beautiful as it is fascinating.

We also love strolling through the centre of Beaune. After the Hospices, wander through the narrow streets of Beaune. The town is full of charm, with its ramparts, little shops, shady squares, typical bistros and… cellars around every corner. Some you can visit, others you can taste. Often both…As far as your taste buds are concerned, this is Burgundy, so no joking around: oeufs en meurette, jambon persillé, snails, tasty cheeses and, of course, the local pinot noir or chardonnay to accompany them (in moderation, of course). Yes, in Beaune you have to do a lot of walking… but the rewards are always there!

Wine tasting around Nolay: happiness in a bottle

If you thought you were coming to Burgundy without coming across a vineyard or two… you’ve come to the wrong place. Around Nolay, wine is everywhere. In our glasses, in our conversations and sometimes in our hearts. So welcome to the land of great names, where every turn takes you from a legendary cru to a confidential little nugget. Here, we talk Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, terroir, plots, winemaking… and all with a smile and a local accent.

A few kilometres from Nolay, you enter the Holy Grail of wine: Santenay, Maranges, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet… Names that shine on the menus of top restaurants.But don’t panic: you’ll also find authentic, welcoming winemakers who take the time to let you taste their vintages, explain their trade (with passion) and even show you around the cellar. Here, wine-tasting is an art… and a pleasure to be shared.

Many wine estates open their doors all year round around Nolay. You’ll be served a glass, told the history of the estate, sometimes the story of the grandmother who planted the first vines, and taught to ‘look at the robe’, ‘smell the nose’, and above all to enjoy (in moderation).

And for those with a sweet tooth? Food and wine tastings with local cheeses, charcuterie, crusty bread and terrines. All in all, you’ll leave with stars in your eyes…

Cruises in Burgundy: a zen getaway on the water, between vineyards and locks

Fancy swapping your hiking boots for a captain’s cap and a dose of peace and quiet? The good news is that Burgundy can also be sailed, and not badly! Just a few kilometres from Nolay, the Canal du Centre and the port of Chagny open their arms to you for a little river interlude… and without seasickness!

Located less than 20 minutes from Nolay, the port of Chagny is the perfect starting point for a gentle cruise on the Canal du Centre. There are no horns or traffic lights here, just birdsong and the gentle sound of the water. Boats can be hired by the day or for a few hours: no licence required, everyone can enjoy the cruise! A gentle cruise to enjoy with friends or family and admire the Burgundy countryside from a different angle.

Along the canal, the manual locks provide fun little breaks where you can admire the manoeuvres and chat to the lock-keepers. For the more active, a greenway runs alongside the canal, perfect for combining a bike ride with a cruise, or for accompanying your crew from the mainland!

Some service providers even offer cruises with lunch on board, so you can enjoy a taste of Burgundy on the water…

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois: a real step back in time

Just 30 minutes from the campsite, you can travel back in time to the Middle Ages, with (almost) no armour on. Welcome to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, the hilltop village that will delight lovers of old stones and keen photographers alike. Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, this little medieval gem takes you on a real Burgundy fairytale, with a view over the countryside.

Impossible to miss: the Châteauneuf castle, with its high towers, proudly dominates the valley. Built in the 13th century, it is open to visitors all year round. Ramparts, keep, furnished rooms and a panoramic view are a must (you’ll have to climb a little, but the view is well worth the diversions). Children love it, and history buffs will love it too.

Around the castle, you’ll find cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, flower gardens and small craft shops. You can take a leisurely stroll, treat yourself to an artisanal ice cream or a small local beer, and it’s all photogenic! Throughout the year, exhibitions, concerts, craft markets and guided tours bring the village to life, always in the spirit of yesteryear. A perfect day out for the whole family.

A spa break near Nolay: the perfect way to recharge your batteries!

For a break between two cultural visits and two glasses of wine, we suggest you let go and relax in one of the region’s spas. Not bad, eh? There’s plenty to do around Nolay! Even if you’re not in the Auvergne or the Alps, Burgundy knows how to take care of you. Walking, sightseeing and tasting are all great, but you also need to recharge your batteries! And here, we cultivate it with passion (and sometimes even with essential oils).

About an hour’s drive from the campsite, the Saint-Honoré-les-Bains spa opens its doors to you in an atmosphere that’s both belle époque and super Zen. On the programme: thermal treatments, jacuzzi, hammam, massaging jets… all you have to do is enjoy!Ideal for fans of ‘old-fashioned’ spa treatments.And for those who don’t want to go that far: good news! A number of spas, institutes and wellness centres await you less than 30 minutes from Nolay, near Beaune, where some hotels offer relaxation areas open to visitors. Whirlpools, massages, facials and even an indoor pool to prolong the pleasure. Sometimes with a view over the vineyards. So make way for relaxation!

And let’s face it: after two days out and about, a little massage or sauna session is not a bad thing…