Cathédrale de Noyon
A masterpiece of Early Gothic art, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame is in the town centre in a canonical district considered one of the most complete in Northern France.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Noyon and its mansions
A masterpiece of Early Gothic art, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame is in the town centre in a canonical district considered one of the most complete in Northern France. It comprises five buildings : the Grand Chapter House with a cellar and loft, the ‘Officialité’ (prison and court room), Small Chapter House (now the Sacristy and Salle du Jubé), Treasury and Chapter House library, built in the 16th century and one of the oldest, preserved libraries in Europe. As you walk around the canonical district and visit the various buildings, it is fascinating to imagine the life of the canons.
A collection of elegant mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries, built by the canons, surrounds the square in front of the cathedral. To the south is the episcopal district with remains of the Chapelle Saint-Nicolas, the bishop’s private chapel adjacent to the Bishops Palace, now home to the Musée du Noyonnais.
A fine example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic Art, Noyon cathedral is the oldest Gothic cathedral in Northern France (1140). The apse has a typical Romanesque appearance, whereas the transept, which is 48 metres long and 10 metres wide, has bolder architecture widening into a wall of light.
Very little of the original decoration of the cathedral has survived as stained-glass windows, paintings and sculptures suffered greatly during the Revolution. However, a superb collection of medieval church furniture remains including chests, an armoire and a very rare 14th century rood screen.
What to see and do near Noyon ?
Close to Noyon, take a cruise aboard Escapade to admire the town and its heritage buildings from a different angle. Sail along the River Oise past charming villages like Longueil-Annel and Pont-l’Evêque and rows of red-brick cottages along the lateral canal to the imperial town of Compiègne with its Pont Louis XV, Pont-Neuf and new hydraulic dam at Venette. Discovery cruises are an ideal way to visit the Oise countryside with a commentary about the world of waterway transport, the scenery, villages and old factories along the way.
« The Chapter House Library is a real gem. Unfortunately it is no longer open to the public due to its age, but the Office de Tourisme organises guided tours from time to time, so if you get the chance…» Gîtes de France Oise
Discover Oise : Cathédrale de Noyon, Musée de la Nacre et la Tabletterie, Château de Chantilly
Cathedral opening times
1 October – 31 March :
Monday : 10.00 -12.00, 14.00 – 18.00
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday: 09.00 -12.00, 14.00 - 18.00
Saturday : 09.00 -12.30, 14.00 - 18.00
1 April - 30 September :
Monday : 10.00 -12.00, 13.30 – 18.00
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday: 09.00 -12.00, 13.30 - 19.00
Saturday : 09.00 -12.30, 13.30 - 18.00
How to get to Noyon
By road : A1 from Paris, exit 10 (Arsy/Compiègne) or 11 (Ressons-sur-Matz). A1 from Lille, exit 12 (Roye)
