Château de Challanges
A 19th-century country house in a wooded park south-east of Beaune, now a hotel.
- Manor
- In Beaune itself
- Hotel and restaurant
- 19th century
€290for a half-day wine tour starting here, up to 4 guests
At a glance
- Style
- 19th-century country house
- Official website
- chateaudechallanges.com
Getting there
Private driver from Beaune: 9 min by road (4 km), €60 one way for the whole car.
Coming by train or plane? Transfers from stations and airports →
About the château
The Château de Challanges stands in the hamlet of Challanges, on the flat land a few minutes south-east of Beaune. This 19th-century house sits in a wooded park of about seven hectares, with old trees and a swimming pool. Today it is a four-star hotel, a quiet base for exploring the Côte de Beaune.
History
Challanges is a hamlet of Beaune on the plain below the vineyards. Its history reaches back to the Middle Ages: the farm of Challanges keeps a 12th-century fortified house, photographed for the French heritage archive in 1968. According to the château's own account, the present house was built in the 19th century on the site of a farm that once belonged to the Knights Templar. The lane that leads to it is called the rue des Templiers.
The château's history names its builder as Jean-Baptiste Jacotot, a great traveller. He is said to have brought back tree species from journeys around the world and planted them in the park, where many of the old trees still stand. In recent decades the house and its outbuildings were renovated and turned into a hotel, with rooms in the main house and smaller houses in the park.
Architecture
The château is a 19th-century country house set in its own wooded park. The main building holds the period suites and classic rooms, while an annex with terraces and small round houses stand among the trees near the pool. The mix of old parkland and later garden buildings gives the estate the feel of a private country retreat close to town.
Visiting
Tips for your visit
The château is a hotel with 24 rooms and suites, so the house and park are for guests. It suits travellers who want calm and space close to Beaune, with easy access to the A6 motorway. It closes for part of the winter. Check the official website for rooms and availability.
Around here
What to combine with Château de Challanges on the same day, nearest first.
Beaune
3 km awayChorey-lès-Beaune
4 km awayPommard
5 km away
- Culture
Mois des Climats
Each year over several weeks in late spring and early summer, usually ending in early JulyBeaune - Wine festival
Beaune Saveurs de Vignes
Usually Ascension Thursday, in May, with staggered departures from late morningBeaune - Music
Festival international d’opéra baroque de Beaune
Usually four consecutive weekends in JulyBeaune
Questions
Château de Challanges is a hotel and restaurant: you can stay or dine there, and guests can usually enjoy its grounds.
Did you know? Beaune's old town is only a short drive away, yet Challanges sits beside an old farm whose fortified house dates back to the 12th century.
Sources
From Château de Challanges into the vineyards
Half-day wine tour from Beaune: €290 for the car, up to 4 guests