Auxey-Duresses lies at the entrance to a valley that stretches from the CĂ´te de Beaune into the Hautes CĂ´tes towards La Rochepot and Autun. Vineyards and hilly terrain shape the village, while the parish churches of Saint-Martin and Saint-Symphorien offer glimpses into different chapters of its history. When planning your trip, the question is not only whether to focus on wine, but also whether you would like to prioritise walks, architectural history or both.
Discover Vineyards and Cabottes on Foot
The landscape around Auxey-Duresses is shaped by vineyards on both sides and hilly terrain. It invites you to go for a walk; while hiking, you can look for cabottes among the vines. These small stone huts give your walk through the vineyards a specific point of discovery. This way, your attention is drawn not only to the landscape as a whole, but also to small structures among the vines. Searching for cabottes combines hiking with a special feature of the vineyard area.
Saint-Martin: Architecture and History
The parish church of Saint-Martin combines a distinctive architectural form with several historic milestones. It was mentioned as a “new church” in 1223 and was also part of a fortress that was destroyed in 1593. The church has been protected as a historic monument since 1985. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross with two side chapels to the north. There is also a rectangular bell tower topped with a spire made of tuff stone. The cross-shaped floor plan, arrangement of chapels and tower are distinct architectural features that can be used to describe the church. The triptych “Triptyque de la vie de la Vierge” is currently on display in the north chapel. As the display may change, check in advance whether the triptych is still on view there.
Saint-Symphorien in Petit-Auxey
Another glimpse into the village’s history leads to Petit-Auxey. Before Saint-Martin was built, the church of Saint-Symphorien was the mother church of the parish; monks from the Abbey of Saint-Symphorien d’Autun took it over in 696. The original church is thought to date from the 7th century. The nave was rebuilt in the 10th century, and the bell tower was added at the beginning of the 13th century. An early possible origin and later building phases thus sit side by side: the church’s history cannot be reduced to a single date of construction.
Wine and Chocolate, Cellars and an Event Date
At “Dégustation Vins et Chocolats,” visitors can discover a selection of fine chocolates. The event aims to showcase how wine and chocolate complement each other. Before making plans, check whether the tasting is taking place during your visit. Another occasion is “Coup d’œil, Coup de cœur”: held annually on the fourth weekend of October, the event opens the wine cellars of Auxey-Duresses to the public. Check the exact dates and programme for the relevant year. This gives you two distinct focuses: a tasting centred on the combination of wine and chocolate, and a recurring event featuring open wine cellars.
If you are considering Auxey-Duresses as a place to stay, start by asking what you would like your visit to focus on when choosing accommodation: wine landscapes and walks, church architecture and history, or a suitable date for one of the wine-themed events.
Discover more destinations: Précy-sous-Thil, Ménessaire, Chenôve, Bligny-Le-Sec, Ruffey-Lès-Echirey, Missery, Bellenod-Sur-Seine, Semezanges.
Return to the main travel overview: Cote-Dor.
