Château du Clos de Vougeot
A historic castle built by Cistercian monks, a symbol of Burgundy's wine heritage with impressive medieval presses.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Château du Clos de Vougeot
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic castle built by Cistercian monks, a symbol of Burgundy's wine heritage with impressive medieval presses.
"A real embassy for Burgundy around the world, dedicated to fantastic wines and gastronomy."
Book via 'Rue des Vignerons'
Use the app for easy booking & tasting payments at smaller domains. :iphone:
Focus on the Presses
The giant medieval grape presses are the true highlight for many visitors. :wine_glass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Grape Presses
Wine Cellars
Gigantic, awe-inspiring medieval grape presses that are a tangible link to centuries of winemaking history.
The Vat House
Ground Floor
Explore the historic vat house, where monks once meticulously managed the wine fermentation process.
Brillat-Savarin Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Discover the life and legacy of the renowned gastronome, Brillat-Savarin, through a captivating exhibition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Embrace the History and Wine
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book via 'Rue des Vignerons'
Use the app for easy booking & tasting payments at smaller domains. :iphone:
Focus on the Presses
The giant medieval grape presses are the true highlight for many visitors. :wine_glass:
English Info Can Be Scarce
Be prepared for limited English information; consider a translation app. :globewithmeridians:
Enjoy the Exterior Views
The castle grounds and surrounding vineyards are beautiful; a walk outside is also rewarding. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book via 'Rue des Vignerons'
Use the app for easy booking & tasting payments at smaller domains. :iphone:
Focus on the Presses
The giant medieval grape presses are the true highlight for many visitors. :wine_glass:
English Info Can Be Scarce
Be prepared for limited English information; consider a translation app. :globewithmeridians:
Enjoy the Exterior Views
The castle grounds and surrounding vineyards are beautiful; a walk outside is also rewarding. :camerawithflash:
Great for Events
A charming and prestigious venue for weddings and special events. :wedding:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Château du Clos de Vougeot for its deep historical significance, particularly its role in Burgundian winemaking, and the impressive medieval grape presses. The beautiful setting and its prestige as an event venue are also highlighted. However, some reviewers noted a lack of detailed English information and found the exhibitions to be of limited interest beyond the main historical artifacts.
"An incredible area, the testimony of a heritage, that of the Burgundian monastic orders. A real embassy for Burgundy around the world, dedicated to fantastic wines and gastronomy. You can eat there at La Table de Leonce, discovering the talent of the Chef Alexandra Bouvret. Currently and until next April, there is an exhibition celebrating Brillat-Savarin, a fine gastronome and renowned culinary author. You need to go and Visit this particular castle if you search to understand the burgundy and French history and soul ! You will be delighted !"
Lafaye Sofia
"I had a really wonderful experience attending an event here. It is lovely and charming place for special events. The staff were wonderfully pleasant. Highly recommended."
Donna
"We paid €12 per person to enter... a quite small exhibition. There were 10-15 points of interest, but only the gigantic medieval grape presses were actually worth seeing (I include a picture in this review so you don't have to go yourself).
English information was lacking throughout, the leaflet seemed to number the exhibits out of order with the reality. We would not go again.
The castle itself is situated in a beautiful area and the drive there was really nice! We should have gone for a walk around on the outside instead."
Martin Geisler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Château du Clos de Vougeot is located south of Dijon. The most convenient way to reach it is by car, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car or using a taxi service is advisable.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors at the Château du Clos de Vougeot. It's usually ample, especially outside of major event days.
Absolutely! Many Burgundy wine tours include a visit to the Château du Clos de Vougeot due to its historical significance and connection to wine. You can also book visits through platforms like 'Rue des Vignerons' which often partner with local domains.
Exploring the Burgundy wine region around the Château is best done by car, allowing you to visit various vineyards and villages at your own pace. Cycling is also a popular and scenic option for shorter distances.
Yes, the Château is situated in a beautiful area of Burgundy. Nearby villages like Gevrey-Chambertin are renowned for their wines and offer charming exploration opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Château du Clos de Vougeot typically costs around €12 per person for access to the exhibitions and historical areas. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website or book in advance.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak tourist season or if there's a special event. This guarantees your entry and can sometimes offer a slight discount.
The Château du Clos de Vougeot is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Guided tours are often available, providing in-depth insights into the history and winemaking traditions of the Château. It's best to inquire about tour availability and languages when booking your visit.
While pre-booking is recommended, you may be able to visit without a reservation, especially during off-peak times. However, to ensure a smooth experience and access to specific events, booking ahead is always the safest bet.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Château du Clos de Vougeot, you can explore the impressive medieval grape presses, the historic vat house, and learn about Burgundy's monastic winemaking heritage. Exhibitions, like the one celebrating Brillat-Savarin, add to the cultural experience.
Yes, Château du Clos de Vougeot offers numerous picturesque spots for photography, both inside and outside. The architecture, vineyards, and historic artifacts provide excellent subjects.
The 'Knights of the Tastevin' is a prestigious brotherhood dedicated to promoting Burgundy wines and gastronomy. They are closely associated with the Château du Clos de Vougeot and often host events there.
A typical visit to Château du Clos de Vougeot can last between 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibitions and whether you opt for a guided tour.
English information can be limited at Château du Clos de Vougeot. While some leaflets might be available, it's advisable to be prepared for potential language barriers or to use translation tools.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, 'La Table de Léonce' is a restaurant located at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, offering a gastronomic experience with Chef Alexandra Bouvret's talent.
La Table de Léonce offers refined Burgundian cuisine, focusing on local ingredients and culinary traditions, often with a modern twist.
While the Château itself is a historical site, wine tastings are often associated with the surrounding vineyards and domains. Some events at the Château might include wine pairings or tastings.
The area around Château du Clos de Vougeot is rich with excellent restaurants and wine cellars offering local Burgundian specialties. Exploring nearby villages like Gevrey-Chambertin will provide numerous dining choices.
Yes, Château du Clos de Vougeot is a prestigious venue that can host private events, including weddings. Its historic ambiance makes it a sought-after location for special occasions.
📸 📸 Photography
The medieval grape presses, the vat house, the castle's exterior architecture, and the surrounding vineyards offer fantastic photo opportunities. The grand halls and courtyards are also very photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed inside Château du Clos de Vougeot for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites like Château du Clos de Vougeot to preserve the integrity of the monument and for safety reasons. It's best to check with the management before attempting to fly a drone.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the castle and vineyards.
The massive medieval grape presses and the vat house are iconic wine-related photo opportunities. The surrounding vineyards also provide stunning backdrops, especially during harvest season.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the visual aspects of the visit and perhaps bringing along a simple scavenger hunt list related to what you see. The surrounding grounds also offer space for children to move around. However, be aware that detailed historical explanations might be less engaging for younger audiences, and English information can be sparse.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
Beyond the Château itself, use resources like 'Rue des Vignerons' to explore smaller, local vineyards in the vicinity. This allows for a comprehensive experience of Burgundy's wine culture, from historical foundations to contemporary artisanal production.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for the most atmospheric light. The combination of historical structures and the picturesque Burgundian countryside makes it a dream location for capturing stunning images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Monastic Winemaking
Visitors can witness this legacy firsthand by exploring the original wine cellars and the vat house. The sheer scale of the gigantic medieval grape presses is a testament to the labor and ingenuity of the monks. These presses, remarkably preserved, offer a tangible connection to the past and a deep appreciation for the craft of winemaking that has been passed down through generations.
Today, the Château is guarded by the 'Knights of the Tastevin', a brotherhood dedicated to preserving and promoting Burgundian wine culture. Their presence underscores the enduring importance of the Château as an embassy for Burgundy's wines and gastronomy worldwide. Attending an event here, or simply visiting, provides an immersive experience into this storied heritage.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Insights
When it comes to ticketing, booking in advance is a wise strategy, especially if you're aiming for specific tours or events. The admission fee, around €12, grants access to the main attractions, including the impressive medieval presses. For those looking to explore smaller, independent wine producers in the region, the 'Rue des Vignerons' app is a recommended tool, simplifying bookings and payments for tastings.
Beyond the historical exhibits, the Château's surroundings are equally captivating. The drive to the Château itself is often described as beautiful, and a walk around the exterior and through the adjacent vineyards offers a different perspective and excellent photo opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit