Gargouillosium
Twenty stone carvers, three days and a crop of new gargoyles at the old castle of Noyers.
- Culture
- Noyers
- 1 h 30 from Beaune
€330one way from Beaune with a private driver
Book a driver
At a glance
- Venue
- Noyers-sur-Serein
- Organised by
- Association Le Patrimoine Oublié
- Official website
- noyers-en-bourgogne.com
Getting there
Private driver from Beaune: 1 h 30 by road (128 km), €330 one way for the whole car.
Coming by train or plane? Transfers from stations and airports →
About the event
Once a year about twenty stone sculptors gather on the site of the old castle of Noyers and each carve a gargoyle in three days, in front of the public. Blocks of stone turn into gargoyles, chimeras and fantastic creatures, and the finished works are sold at the end.
What to expect
Wander between the workbenches at the foot of the castle towers and watch the gargoyles emerge chip by chip over the weekend. On the Sunday afternoon a jury awards its prizes and the sculptures go on sale. Modelling and carving workshops are offered for beginners, and there is even an axe-throwing stand.
History
The Gargouillosium is organised by Le Patrimoine Oublié, a local heritage association that runs events on the site of the Vieux Château. Sales of the sculptures benefit the carvers and the association.
Its 25th edition took place from 24 to 26 July 2026, with a talk on the history of Noyers, an evening concert, a fire show and a jury prize for the best sculpture.
Good to know
Tips for the day
Food and drinks are served on site during the weekend. The castle site is a short climb above the village, so wear comfortable shoes. Noyers is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Beaune, and a driver can collect you after the evening concert and fire show.
Around here
What to combine with Gargouillosium on the same day, nearest first.
- Culture
Mois des Climats
Each year over several weeks in late spring and early summer, usually ending in early JulyBeaune - Wine festival
Les Vin’dredis de la Halle
Friday evenings through the summer, from late MayGevrey-Chambertin - Culture
Lumières à Beaune
Every evening from late June to late September, and from the Vente des Vins weekend in November to early JanuaryBeaune
- Food & markets
Marché aux truffes de Noyers
An autumn Sunday, usually in late October, sometimes followed by a second market in NovemberNoyers - Tradition
Saint-Vincent de Chitry
A weekend in January, close to the feast of Saint Vincent on 22 JanuaryChitry
Chablis
19 km awayIrancy
25 km awaySaint-Bris
26 km away
Questions
The 2027 dates of Gargouillosium have not been announced yet. Usual timing: A three-day weekend at the end of July.. The organiser publishes them on noyers-en-bourgogne.com.
Did you know? Each sculptor has just three days to turn a block of stone into a finished gargoyle.
Sources
A private driver for the day
No parking to find, no one left as the designated driver: everyone enjoys a glass.