Bèze offers two different perspectives on the place: beneath the village lies a cave system shaped by water, while traces of its past can be discovered along its streets. The former Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and other historic buildings tell the story of different periods of construction. The natural setting and architectural history thus stand alongside one another as two distinct themes for a stay.

An Abbey and Church Built Over Several Centuries

The former Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul was founded in 630. The remains of an early 12th-century church survive, including the axial chapel with its two pilasters and capitals. An axial chapel is located on the main axis of a church. Pilasters are flat supports set against a wall; capitals form their upper ends. These terms draw attention not only to the age of the surviving church area, but also to its design: the architectural elements can be viewed in terms of their period and form.

Since 15 September 2010, the abbey has been partially listed as a historic monument. This includes the east and west wings of the 18th-century monastery building, as well as the Chaux and Oysel towers and the washhouse. The partial listing complements the early foundation date and surviving church remains with other parts of the complex. In this way, the long history of the former abbey is evident not only in its foundation year, but also in architectural elements from different centuries.

The Church of Saint-Rémy reveals a different sequence. Its bell-tower structure, with the side chapels and upper rooms, dates from the first half of the 13th century; the nave, transept and choir were built in 1770. The difference in dates is tangible in specific architectural elements: the bell-tower structure belongs to an earlier building phase than the main sections, which were built later. There is also a 13th-century house on the public square. Bèze’s historic architecture thus extends beyond the abbey and church to another building on the square.

Underground Caves and a Visit in Two Stages

Beneath the village lies a cave system shaped by water, with large chambers, natural vaults and crystal-clear water. This underground setting offers a clear contrast with the churches and monastery buildings: water, vaults and chambers shape the experience in the caves, while the architectural history can be explored through buildings and features with specific dates and names. For travellers who enjoy combining culture and nature in one destination, Bèze offers two very different themes rather than just a single attraction.

A visit to the Grottes de Bèze begins on foot and continues with a boat ride on the underground river. An individual visit takes an average of 50 minutes. Use this as a guide when planning and check the current visiting times in advance. The caves offer an attraction with a predictable duration, while the historic buildings provide a different focus through their various periods. If you choose Bèze for a stay, you can shape your visit around these two sides of the place.

Discover more destinations: Beurizot, Rochefort-sur-Brévon, Comblanchien, Jossigny, Mesmont, Selongey, Velars-sur-Ouche, Savigny-Lès-Beaune

For the regional travel overview: Cote-Dor.