From Santenay, you can explore wine-growing villages in two directions by bike along the Voie des Vignes: towards the CĂ´te des Maranges and Nolay, or towards Meursault, Pommard and Beaune. There are also wine tastings, cultural heritage and the Spa Thermal de Santenay. If you are looking for a hotel in Santenay, consider which activity you want to shape your stay.
Wine tastings with different focuses
Château Philippe le Hardi is a legendary building and a testament to 2,000 years of winemaking history in Burgundy. It was owned by Philippe le Hardi (1342–1404), Duke of Burgundy. The guided tour explains the château’s history, winemaking and the ageing of the wine in the cellars and the winery of the 98-hectare estate. To finish, you will taste five of the estate’s distinctive wines: two whites and three reds, including at least one Premier Cru. Check the current tour dates before your trip.
Château de La Crée offers another bookable vineyard experience in the terroirs of Santenay. It lasts 2.5 hours and includes a 10-kilometre route through the vineyards. At Moulin Sorine, you will taste one wine; this is followed at the château by three more estate wines during a guided, interactive tasting, preferably outdoors. The experience is available seasonally. Check in advance to reserve your preferred date.
Mill, church and landscape
Moulin Sorine, also known as Moulin de Santenay, is a 19th-century windmill that was faithfully restored in 1995. Visits are possible throughout the year by prior appointment with the Office de Tourisme Beaune & Pays Beaunois – Antenne de Santenay. Arrange your visit before adding the mill as a fixed stop in your plans.
In June, the FĂŞte du Moulin at Moulin Sorine features events and visits; mill operation is weather-dependent. Check the event dates before your trip. This will help you distinguish a possible visit during the festival from visits that are available year-round but require an appointment.
The nave and aisles of the Church of Saint-Jean-de-Narosse were built in the late 12th or early 13th century. Inside is a marble depiction of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, dated 1660, vanquishing the dragon. The Circuit des Crêtes passes the listed church and leads to the classified natural site of Mont de Sène, also known as Montagne des 3 Croix.
Thermal spa, Canal du Centre and cycling route
The Spa Thermal de Santenay has a panoramic thermal pool, a music grotto, a hammam and a sauna. It also offers body and facial massages. If you plan to visit the spa, check current access options and booking conditions in advance, as these may change.
Boats moor at Santenay on the Canal du Centre, among the vineyards in the south of the CĂ´te de Beaune. This offers a different way to experience the landscape alongside the cycling route: the Voie des Vignes focuses on exploring wine-growing villages by bike. You can ride towards the CĂ´te des Maranges and Nolay, or towards Meursault, Pommard and Beaune. Check current route conditions before setting out.
The experiences offer different highlights: winemaking and château history on the tour of Château Philippe le Hardi, a route through the vineyards with tastings at Château de La Crée, or cultural and natural sites along the Circuit des Crêtes. These highlights offer a practical guide when choosing a stay in Santenay.
Discover more destinations: Villeferry, Corgoloin, Vianges, Rouvray, Brianny, Pommard, Flammerans, Touillon.
For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.
