This village is likely to be propelled to fame, just as Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye was last year when it won the title of France’s favorite village on the TV show presented by Stéphane Bern. And when you take a look at this little Burgundy village’s résumé, you can see why. Architecture, location, history… the magic is working once again!
Nolay, France’s favorite village for 2026?
That’s the million-dollar question! In any case, the little town is well on its way. It has all the ingredients for success. The first is its relative anonymity. Who knows Nolay as well as we know Cluny, Vézelay or Annecy? But that’s where the little village comes into its own. Let’s be honest: we love to discover hidden gems.
The village, as small as it may be (less than 1,500 inhabitants), nevertheless plays in the big leagues when it comes to heritage. A grain market dating back nearly 650 years is listed as a Historic Monument. It is distinguished by a “lava roof” that weighs no less than 600 kilos per square meter. The small village also has a charming center with magnificent half-timbered houses and a 16th-century church.
And to top it all off, Nolay is a lively little town. Throughout the year, the village is in a festive mood with fairs, exhibitions, theater, flea markets, and markets. One highlight isthe ŒNolay Tour, an experience that allows you to get up close and personal with the vineyards in the company of a winegrower. Could it get any more immersive than that? Impossible.
Climates of the Burgundy vineyards, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
While Nolay surprises with its intramural qualities, it wins everyone over by playing its trump card: its surroundings. Located a stone’s throw from Beaune, Nolay is surrounded by the best vineyards in the world. Who else can boast of having the prestigious Puligny-Montrachet, Pommard, Volnay and Meursault among its close circle? The climate here is truly unique: UNESCO recognized this by listing it in 2015. To date, it is the only climate in the world to have been awarded this distinction, which says a lot! In any season, the Burgundy vineyards remain a wonderful getaway idea from Lyon, combining heritage and gastronomy that , once again, the whole world envies us for .
If you think Nolay deserves the honor, you have until March 6 to vote directly on the France Télévisions website. Let’s get voting!