Chateau de Savigny-les-Beaune, Burgundy Travel Guide

Nestled in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, the Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune stands as a testament to Burgundy's rich history and the captivating passions of its owners. Built in 1340 by Duke Eudes IV, the château initially served as a medieval fortress, complete with drawbridges and moats fed by the Rhoin river. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of noble families, witnessing pivotal moments in French history, including the Hundred Years' War and the French Revolution. In 1972, Michel Pont, a passionate collector and winegrower, acquired the château, embarking on a journey to transform it into the unique destination it is today. While maintaining the estate's winemaking traditions, Pont began to fill the château and its grounds with his ever-growing collections of aircraft, racing cars, motorcycles, and other mechanical marvels. This eclectic mix of history and hobby has become the château's defining characteristic, drawing visitors from around the globe. The château's exterior reflects its medieval origins, with imposing stone walls and towers that evoke a sense of grandeur. Inside, visitors can explore the historic cellars, which house winemaking equipment and offer a glimpse into the estate's viticultural heritage. The Petit Château, dating back to 1671, serves as the tasting cellar and restaurant, where guests can sample the estate's prestigious Burgundy wines. However, it is the château's extraordinary collections that truly set it apart. The grounds are home to over 100 fighter planes and helicopters, ranging from vintage warbirds to modern jet fighters. Aviation enthusiasts will be thrilled by the opportunity to get up close and personal with these impressive machines, learning about their history and significance. The château also boasts one of the world's finest collections of Abarth racing cars, with over 30 prototype models on display. These sleek and powerful machines represent the pinnacle of Italian automotive engineering, and their presence at the château is a testament to Michel Pont's passion for motorsports. Motorcycle enthusiasts will be equally impressed by the château's collection of over 200 motorcycles, dating from 1903 to 1960. The collection includes rare and iconic models from renowned manufacturers, offering a comprehensive overview of motorcycle history. In addition to its aviation, automotive, and motorcycle collections, the château also houses museums dedicated to firefighting equipment, vineyard tractors, and scale models. These diverse collections reflect the breadth of Michel Pont's interests and provide something for every visitor to enjoy. The Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune is more than just a museum; it is a living testament to the passion and dedication of its owners. The Pont family has poured their hearts and souls into preserving the château's history and showcasing its remarkable collections. Today, the château is managed by Marie Pont, representing a new generation committed to perpetuating the family legacy and ensuring that the Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune remains a captivating destination for years to come. A visit to the Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune is an unforgettable experience that combines history, culture, and a healthy dose of mechanical fascination. Whether you are a wine connoisseur, an aviation enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and memorable day trip, the Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune is sure to delight and inspire. The experience is constantly evolving with Marie Pont taking the helm of the commercial and event development of the Chateau. With record visitors in 2023, the Chateau is becoming a must see location in Burgundy. Marie is committed to developing and showcasing the Chateau while paying homage to the work completed by her grandfather, preserving his memory and recognizing the investment of her father. She feels it is essential to preserve these collections over time, as the Chateau reflects the mechanical evolution through the ages, and she considers it her duty to preserve them so each piece tells a unique story. Beyond the collections, the Chateau also offers wine tasting experiences. The estate covers 10.5 hectares and includes the appellations: Auxey-Duresses, Beaune, Monthélie, Meursault, Pommard, Volnay and Savigny-lès-Beaune. At the tasting pavillion of the Chateau, a discovery tasting is available for 10 euros per person for 3 appellations of your choice.