Château de Bierre-lès-Semur
Once called the 'little Versailles of Burgundy', an 18th-century estate now slowly coming back to life.
- Classical château
- 1 h 02 from Beaune
- Private, seen from outside
- 18th century
€220one way from Beaune with a private driver
At a glance
- Commune
- Le Val-Larrey · Côte-d'Or
- Style
- Classical (18th century)
- Heritage
- Registered historic monument
Getting there
Private driver from Beaune: 1 h 02 by road (78 km), €220 one way for the whole car.
Coming by train or plane? Transfers from stations and airports →
About the château
Bierre-lès-Semur, now part of the commune of Le Val-Larrey, lies about 45 minutes from Beaune, south of Semur-en-Auxois. Its château is one of the rare 18th-century country houses of the Auxois. Once famous for its park, it suffered decades of neglect, and new owners are now restoring it. It is private and opens only on special occasions.
History
The château was built in the 18th century by the Chartraire de Montigny family, who were treasurers general of the Estates of Burgundy for most of that century. By the late 18th century it was one of the most lavish residences in the region. Its vast park, with temples, statues, pools and grottoes, earned it the nickname of the 'little Versailles of Burgundy'.
The estate later went through long decades of neglect, although its grounds of about 43 hectares have largely survived. In 2022 new owners began shoring up the façades, and between 2023 and 2024 the façades and roofs of the north pavilion were restored with the help of the Fondation du patrimoine. In 2025 the whole estate, with its house, outbuildings, entrance pavilions, park and pond, was listed as a historic monument.
Architecture
The château dates from the middle of the 18th century. It is set within walls pierced by four entrance gates, with entrance pavilions, outbuildings and a farm. A small park includes a pool with a fountain at its centre, and an old field pond survives beyond it. Restoration has begun with the north pavilion, while other parts of the house still await work.
Visiting
Tips for your visit
The château is private and closed to regular visits while restoration continues. The owners have opened the exterior during the European Heritage Days. It is close to Semur-en-Auxois, Thil and Époisses. Check with the local tourist office for any opening dates.
Around here
What to combine with Château de Bierre-lès-Semur on the same day, nearest first.
Questions
Château de Bierre-lès-Semur is about 1 h 02 from Beaune by road (78 km). With a private driver, the trip from Beaune starts at €220 for the whole car, up to 4 guests.
Did you know? A small 18th-century temple from Bierre's park now stands in Dijon. It was taken down and rebuilt in the city's Parc de la Colombière, far from its original setting.
Sources
Château de Bierre-lès-Semur with a private driver
€220 one way from Beaune · up to 4 guests