Noyon - Definition

Noyon is a small but historic French city in the Oise département, Picardie, on the Oise Canal, approximately 60 miles north of Paris.

History

Originally inhabited by a Gallic tribe of peoples, it is famous as the site where Emperor Charlemagne was crowned in 768 as was the first Capetian king, Hugh Capet in 987.

Near the end of the 16th century the city fell under the control of Spain but King Henry IV of France would recapture it. The city was occupied by the Germans during World War I and World War II and on both occasions suffered heavy damage.

Famous personalities

• John Calvin was born in Noyon