8 Burgundy castles

A must-see

Interested in château life? Discover the castles and chateaux of Burgundy! Witnesses to a rich past and, for some, to the golden age of ducal Burgundy, these buildings have found a new lease on life over the centuries and through the generations. Transformed into museums, prestigious bed & breakfasts, family homes or, for some, retaining their original function as wine estates, these enchanting places will delight any visitor to the villages of our beautiful region. Here are 8 incredible châteaux to visit or contemplate in Côte d’Or, Saône et Loire or Yonne.

On the program...

01. Château du Clos de Vougeot

Cradle of Burgundy wines

Emblematic and majestic, Clos de Vougeot is the château you see when arriving on the Route des Grands Crus linking Dijon to Beaune. The worldwide renown of this building is based on the appellation of its plots. At the time, there was only one owner, the monks of Cîteaux. Today, 80 owners share the 50 hectares of vines that surround the walls of the Clos. In the 16th century, abbot Dom Jean XI Loisier added a Renaissance-style main building to the 12th-century winegrowing buildings built by the monks.

The château was saved from abandonment in the late 19th century by wine merchant Léonce Bocquet. A stroke of luck for this idyllic setting, where the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin now has its headquarters. It is here that the Chapitres take place, prestigious rituals bringing together wine lovers and professionals from all over the world.

Home of the castle of Savigny-lès-Beaune

Motorcycles of the castle of Savigny-lès-Beaune

2. Château Savigny-lès-Beaune

the surprise visit to Burgundy

Classed as a historic monument since 1940, the Château de Savigny-Lès-Beaune is an architectural gem dating back to the Middle Ages. To visit it is to contemplate a masterpiece built in 1340 and then rebuilt in the 17th century, after having borne the brunt of the war of succession for the Duchy of Burgundy following the death of Charles the Bold.

Watch the scale of its two wings, four round towers, facades adorned with ashlar motifs, not forgetting the main building… Inside, three decorated reception rooms and cellars reflect the history and style of the estate.

Wine lovers can head to the outbuildings and cuveries to discover the estate’s wines: Volnay “Caillerets” 1er Cru, Auxey-Duresses “Le Val” 1er Cru or a Meursault “Genevrières” 1er Cru.

More surprisingly, the tour reveals collections of motorized machines that are unique in the world. Former Abarth rally driver Michel Pons, an outstanding collector who is no longer with us, amassed a treasure trove of planes, motorcycles, Abarths and fire engines in various rooms of the château and in the grounds.

>Please note that this tour is in French only.

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3. Château de Couches - Marguerite de Bourgogne

In Saône-et-Loire, discover this charming site in Couches, at the gateway to the Morvan, a ten-minute drive from the Beaune region. Dominating the Creuse Valley for almost 900 years, this fortress doesn’t go unnoticed. Its incredible glazed tile mosaic roof honors the typical style of the region. Built in the 12th century by the lords of Couches and then remodeled until the 19th century, this Burgundy castle now belongs to a couple of enthusiasts. The owners open their home for guided tours where history, architecture and wine tourism intersect.

On the program: a 12th-century keep, a 15th-century chapel, not forgetting the dark underground passages … After this impressive tour, you can taste the estate’s wines.

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4. Château de Coraboeuf

Private historic monument

Not far from the commune of Ivry en Montagne, a 12th-century château opens its doors to visitors. It’s a magnificent example of privately-owned historic heritage that has been preserved. Descendants of a long line of owners, Inès and Patrice de Lauriston continue to care for this testimony to history. You can visit the arboretum and the verdant park with its many species of trees. The serenity of these places is an invitation to stroll.

Continue with a visit to the lower room of the Keep and some curiosities like the hunter’s tower or the hunting pavilion, hidden by the greenery… You’ll be impressed by the stages of the restoration work, the rich history of the Château with its many twists and turns and the successions of owners… Experience all the passion and mission of these chatelains for their life’s work and the family spirit handed down through the centuries.

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5. Ancy le Franc

Avant-garde Château de Bourgogne

Imagined by Italian architect and sculptor Sebastiano Serlio, consulted for the Château de Fontainebleau, the Château d’Ancy le Franc is a masterpiece of Burgundy-Franche-Comté’s built heritage. With its sublime facades, framing a courtyard of honor, the château is admired through and through.

Once through the door, the sober, elegant interior courtyard invites selfies. Take the time to cross it and admire it before entering the premises. On the main floor, you’ll find a succession of fabulously decorated and gilded rooms. The exceptional murals make for an unusual visit not to be missed.

If the interior of the château is splendid, the exterior is equally so. The park and gardens, both French and English, alternate between parterres, romantic paths, peaceful little streams and a pond housing a folie, a reception house much appreciated by the aristocracy in the 19th century.

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6. Château de Sully in Burgundy

A must-see

Halfway between Autun, in the Morvan region, and Beaune, stands the Château de Sully. A renowned historical and architectural landmark. Home to the Mac Mahon family, Duke of Magenta, for over 250 years, the property is also the birthplace of the famous Marshal Mac Mahon, former President of the French Republic.

The château comprises a Renaissance-style building, an English park and a vegetable garden where visitors can stroll. The premises are still inhabited by the Duchesse de Magenta and her children. Guided tours take you inside this prestigious residence. They hold a few surprises in store, as the tour route varies according to the guide.

The château is full of life, with entertainment, regional meals, prestige dinners and private receptions taking place all year round. And for wine lovers, a tasting of wines produced in the Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet vineyards awaits.

7. Commarin floating castle

Never looted or sold, from inheritance to marriage, Château de Commarin has belonged to the descendants of the de Commarin family since the 13th century, a total of 26 generations. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1949, it has been open to the public since the early 1970s. Surrounded by a moat, like a mirror of water, this ancient stronghold reveals its history, the apartments of Marie-Judith de Vienne and exceptional tapestries and furniture during guided tours.

After a visit to its chapel, which conceals one of the treasures of the residence: a terracotta mise au tombeau, discover the kitchen and stables. And if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, take a stroll on a fine spring day through the 35-hectare park. A discovery trail will help you avoid getting lost.

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Le château de Commarin : 900 ans dans la même famille !

8. Château de Germolles

In the footsteps of the Duchess of Flanders

In the 12th century, the Germolles site was a stronghold built by the local feudal lords: the sirs de Germolles. Today, the lower chapel and cellar remain from this era.

In 1830, the château was purchased by the Duke of Burgundy as a gift for his wife, Duchess Marguerite de Flandres. She transformed it into a bucolic place close to nature. Today, the building remains one of the rare examples of a ducal residence still intact and perfectly preserved. Discover all the richness of Burgundy on the 1st floor, with its remarkably painted walls and monumental fireplace in the hall. Don’t miss the magnificent collection of floor tiles.

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In search of

the best aromas

Lovers of history, architecture and wine culture, these must-seeBurgundy castles are well worth exploring. Between fascinating family stories, animations, gastronomic meals and regional wine tasting… These exceptional sites are undoubtedly architectural gems to add to your list of Burgundian activities.