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Walks through the vines, cellar tastings, thermal baths, greenways and UNESCO-listed Climats: a guide by a woman winegrower born in the village.
Santenay is a village where good health springs from its wines and its thermal waters. Between Chalon-sur-Saône and Beaune, at the start of the Route des grands crus, it brings together the very best of Burgundy: the vineyards and their UNESCO-listed Climats, vaulted cellars, thermal baths, greenways and fine dining.
Born here, I have gathered on this page my ideas for visits and activities in and around Santenay, for a weekend or a day in the Côte-d'Or. On foot, with the family, with friends or as a couple: follow the guide!
my ideas for visits
Santenay's signature activity: exploring the Route des grands crus on foot with a winegrower born in the village, from a one-hour walk to a half-day immersion. Fun, informative and free for children under 12.
Push open the door of a village estate's vaulted cellars and taste four Burgundy wines with commentary, in complete privacy. Fruit juices for the children.
Build a real little wall just as the winegrowers of old did, from age 4. A UNESCO-listed skill, equipment provided, muscles optional.
1247 plots listed by UNESCO, among many other Climats, shaped by two thousand years of history. Meurgers, cabottes and dry stone walls can be read in the open air.
The old windmill, the wash-houses, the dovecotes, the church and a few secret passageways: Santenay is also discovered along its little streets, between vines and forest.
and also
Almost a must after a walk in the vines: the Valvital thermal centre and its aqua relaxation area, open to all, for a spot of pampering close to the vineyards.
The greenway, the Voie des vignes cycle path and the waterway along the canal: kilometres of easy outings starting from the village, with bike hire on site.
Surprising for a wine village? Santenay has one of the few casinos in the Côte-d'Or, with a restaurant. A different way to round off the day.
From traditional cooking to fine dining, my favourite addresses in Santenay and the surrounding area to continue your exploration of the terroir.
Taste and leave with a few bottles: the winegrowers and wine merchants in my network, in Santenay and along the Côte.
Gîtes, B&Bs and hotels in the heart of the vineyards, the perfect base for exploring between Beaune and the Côte Chalonnaise.
with my partners
Before or after your educational walk, experiences linked to the world of wine, recommended and tried and tested.
Everything you need to know about Dijon mustard and the making of local mustards: visits, experiences, tastings and shop.
With Hanna, learn to pair wines with cheeses from local producers.
Frédéric and Lucie share their passion and their cooper's craft with you.
A complete experience with your qualified tour guide.
More than 30 specific tasting workshops, tailor-made and personalised.
The Rion family shares its passion for the great wines of Burgundy and for truffles.
One day is enough to get a taste of the village: a guided walk through the vines in the morning, a good restaurant at lunchtime, a cellar tour with tasting in the afternoon. A weekend lets you add the thermal baths, the greenway by bike and a jaunt along the Route des grands crus, from Beaune to the Côte Chalonnaise.
Santenay is a very family-friendly destination: the « à petits pas » walk from age 4 with games and child-friendly language, the dry stone wall workshop, fruit juices at tasting time and the greenway for safe cycling. Most of my tours are free for children under 12.
practical
Santenay is 20 minutes from Beaune via the D974 or the A6, and 10 minutes from Chagny. The village has its own TER railway station, and cyclists arrive gently along the Voie des Vignes, the cycle route that crosses the vineyard between Beaune and Santenay.
The village has more than one trick up its sleeve: head for the cellar tour and tasting safely under cover, the thermal baths to warm you up or the casino to try your luck. Grey days have their own charm in the vaulted cellars.
l'agenda du coin
Le 24 juillet 2026 à 20h00
FANFARE EXPRESS, ce sont des cuivres assez fous et des percussionnistes capables de vous faire danser comme sur une place du Brésil. Fortement influencés par les brass bands américains tels que Lucky Chops/YoungBlood Brass band, les…
Le 24 juillet 2026 à 14h00
Entre bonne humeur et anecdotes savoureuses, Lulu, ouvrière de la Tuilerie des années 1930, partage avec vous l’héritage vivant de son village. Vous lui emboitez le pas pour une déambulation contée du patrimoine d’aujourd’hui, des métiers…
Le 24 juillet 2026 à 21h00
Vous avez la permission de minuit ! Suivez Jacquot & Jacquotte et sa bande ! Durant l’été, à la tombée de la nuit, les Jacquemarts de Nolay, Jacquot et Jacquotte descendent du clocher de l’église St Martin pour vous donner rendez-vous sur…
Tell me your dates and your wishes: I will put together your day or weekend in Santenay, from soil to glass.