When should you visit Santenay?

In spring for flower walks, in summer for festivals, in autumn for the grape harvest and the golden colours of the vines.

What wines can you taste on site?

The Santenay reds (Pinot Noir) have a floral nose and the Chardonnay whites are fresh and elegant.

What to do in Santenay

Visit the Moulin Sorine, stroll between châteaux and cellars, enjoy the thermal baths, or admire the sunset from the Montagne des Trois Croix. Take your bike and follow a cycle route or greenway in either direction, and why not go hiking!

Where is the village of Santenay?

Santenay is a wine-growing village at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy. It is one of the gateways to the Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne and offers a remarkable natural setting of vineyards, hills and forests.

What is Santenay known for?

Santenay is renowned for its Burgundy wines, mainly reds, and for its unspoilt environment. The village is also renowned for its heritage, its medieval castle and its spa, making it a destination for wine, culture and well-being.

Are there any wineries in Santenay worth visiting?

Yes, several Santenay wineries offer visits and tastings, usually by prior arrangement. These events give you the chance to discover Burgundy wines directly from the winemakers and to learn more about the local climats.

Is Santenay a good starting point for exploring the Côte de Beaune?

Yes, Santenay is an excellent starting point for discovering the Côte de Beaune and its emblematic villages . Its location makes it easy to explore the vineyards, landscapes and must-see sites of the Burgundy Grands Crus Route.

Santenay

Santenay, between springs and vines: a spa town with character

Santenay makes the Burgundy Grands Crus Route sparkle in the Côte-d’Or. Nestling in the south of the Côte de Beaune, this exceptional wine-growing village combines terroir, heritage and a gentle way of life. Here, the Moulin Sorine watches over the golden hillsides, the medieval châteaux whisper of the history of the Dukes, and the air smells of tradition and conviviality. Between wine tasting and spa relaxation, you can savour the full diversity of Burgundy’s art de vivre, between Maranges and Montrachet.

Getting there

An exceptional terroir, combining wine and heritage

With 330 hectares of vines, including 11 Climats classified as Premier Cru, Santenay proudly bears its appellation, created in 1936. Pinot Noir produces deep reds with floral notes and occasional hints of liquorice, while Chardonnay produces fresh, vigorous whites. On the higher ground, the Montagne des Trois Croix reveals a breathtaking panorama of the Beaune hillsides, perfect for a contemplative break or a ‘wow’ photo.

Tip: you can download this walk for free on the Balades en Bourgogne app!

Santenay Mill — ©The Storytellers - Moulin de Santenay -

You won’t want to miss Château Philippe le Hardi, a proud reminder of the 14th century, or Château de la Crée, a 19th-century winegrowing manor house.

In the narrow streets, stone houses topped with glazed tiles, wash-houses and fountains tell the story of a village where wine and water go hand in hand. In June, the Moulin Sorine is back in action to the delight of visitors, while in summer the Place du Jet d’Eau is the scene of festivals, gourmet markets and winegrowers’ celebrations that set the evenings alight under the stars.

Valvital Spa Santenay — ©Valvital - Valvital Santenay thermal baths

Gallo-Roman springs lie dormant beneath the vines. Its mineral-rich salt fountain now feeds the Valvital thermal baths, where a sauna, hammam and swimming pool invite you to relax after a bike ride along the Voie des Vignes or the Voie verte linking Santenay to Nolay. A rare alliance: the god of wine and the nymph of waterreunited in the heart of Burgundy!

Evenstadt-Santenay Estate — ©The Storytellers - Domaine Evenstadt-Santenay

Santenay has it all

From the festive Moulin Sorine to the lively year-round casino, Santenay is the perfect blend of originality and conviviality. Feast on local produce, raise a glass to passionate winegrowers, and leave with a bit of Burgundy magic in your heart.

Tastings and estates

Preparing my stay

FAQ - Santenay

When should you visit Santenay?
In spring for flower walks, in summer for festivals, in autumn for the grape harvest and the golden colours of the vines.
What wines can you taste on site?
The Santenay reds (Pinot Noir) have a floral nose and the Chardonnay whites are fresh and elegant.
What to do in Santenay
Visit the Moulin Sorine, stroll between châteaux and cellars, enjoy the thermal baths, or admire the sunset from the Montagne des Trois Croix. Take your bike and follow a cycle route or greenway in either direction, and why not go hiking!
Where is the village of Santenay?
Santenay is a wine-growing village at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy. It is one of the gateways to the Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne and offers a remarkable natural setting of vineyards, hills and forests.
What is Santenay known for?
Santenay is renowned for its Burgundy wines, mainly reds, and for its unspoilt environment. The village is also renowned for its heritage, its medieval castle and its spa, making it a destination for wine, culture and well-being.
Are there any wineries in Santenay worth visiting?
Yes, several Santenay wineries offer visits and tastings, usually by prior arrangement. These events give you the chance to discover Burgundy wines directly from the winemakers and to learn more about the local climats.
Is Santenay a good starting point for exploring the Côte de Beaune?
Yes, Santenay is an excellent starting point for discovering the Côte de Beaune and its emblematic villages. Its location makes it easy to explore the vineyards, landscapes and must-see sites of the Burgundy Grands Crus Route.

See other villages

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