To the south of the Côte de Beaune, watched over by its windmill, Santenay has all the charm of a holiday village in the heart of the vineyards with its mansions and its medieval château bordered by the bucolic hamlet of Saint Jean de Narosse.
Santenay: History and Heritage
It’s in Santenay’s south-facing vineyards that we see the Sorine windmill, built in the early 19th century. This unique windmill in Côte de Beaune comes into play each year at a big celebration in June. Beyond its pleasant square with its fountains, Santenay has some beautiful typical white Burgundy stone houses and opulent mansions from the 19th century. In the upper part of the village, don’t miss the remarkable buildings such as Château de la Crée, a 19th-century wine mansion, or the château known as Philippe le Hardi, a 14th-century fortified house with its square keep and colourful tiled roofs. At the foot of the Mountain of the Three Crosses, stop for a while at the charming hamlet of Narosse to discover a small church with its Romanesque porch nestled at the bottom of a valley.
The wines of Santenay
In this wine village, they’re proud to be from Burgundy and sing the praises of the wines from this appellation with the Brotherhood of Wine-growers of Santenay, who will introduce you over a banquet to Burgundy camaraderie. Also, follow the Route des Grands Crus (wine route) between Maranges and Montrachet, and discover the vineyards and picturesque villages clinging to the sides of the sunny slopes of the Côte de Beaune.
Santenay’s leisure side
Come and enjoy, on foot or by bike, the relaxing spectacle of the barges navigating the Canal du Centre. Set off with your family on the marked hiking trails or cool off at the open-air swimming pool with its facilities for all the family: playground, skate park, tennis...
Then, in the evening, place your bets at the casino in Santenay, where thrills and shows are on the menu throughout the year: slot machines, poker, roulette, not forgetting the cabaret evenings!
Santenay celebrates
Every 3rd Sunday in June, discover the secrets of the Sorine windmill during a great festival combining folklore and tradition that will appeal to young and old alike. All summer, Santenay offers classical music, jazz or variety concerts. In October, the Marie-Noël poetry prize, in honour of the poet, recognises a collection whose author is offered 100 bottles of the best Burgundy wines. And for food lovers, the chocolate market delights the most discerning palates every 1st Sunday in December.
