Discover Auxey-Duresses

Auxey-Duresses lies at the entrance to a valley that extends from the Côte de Beaune into the Hautes Côtes, towards La Rochepot and Autun. Vineyards on both sides and hilly terrain give the area a distinctive landscape. This offers two different themes to help plan a stay: walks through the wine-growing countryside and historic buildings in Auxey-Duresses and Petit-Auxey.

Wine-growing countryside and walks

The hilly terrain and vineyards shape the landscape on both sides of the valley. The surrounding area is ideal for walking; as you hike among the vines, you can look out for cabottes. These small stone huts provide a focal point along the paths through the vineyards. In this way, exploring the landscape goes hand in hand with seeking out the little structures found among the vines. In Auxey-Duresses, the connection with wine is therefore not just a matter of scenery: it is also reflected in the area's history and in special wine-related experiences.

Churches and architectural history

The parish church of Saint-Martin was listed as a historic monument in 1985. It was mentioned as a “new church” as early as 1223 and was part of a fortress that was destroyed in 1593. Its floor plan and architectural features also give the church a distinctive profile: the regular floor plan is shaped like a Latin cross and includes two side chapels on the north side. The rectangular bell tower is topped by a spire made of tuff stone.

The triptych “Triptyque de la vie de la Vierge” is currently on display in the north chapel. As the display may change, check before your visit whether the work is still there. Alongside its architecture, Saint-Martin thus offers a tangible connection to art in the church.

Another chapter in the area's church history can be found in Petit-Auxey: before Saint-Martin was built, the church of Saint-Symphorien was the parish's mother church. Monks from the Abbey of Saint-Symphorien d’Autun took it over in 696. The original church is considered to date from the 7th century. The nave was rebuilt in the 10th century, and the bell tower was added in the early 13th century.

The two churches have different historical timelines: Saint-Martin is associated with its mention as a “new church” in 1223 and the history of the fortress. Saint-Symphorien is known for an early church dating from the 7th century and later building phases. Visitors interested in architecture and history will find two distinct sequences here, from the churches' historical roles to their floor plans and architectural features.

Wine, tastings, and events

The Clos du Moulin aux Moines winery was founded in 962 by monks from Cluny Abbey. Its vineyards on the Côte de Beaune cover 16 hectares. This adds another dimension to Auxey-Duresses's connection with wine, alongside its location in a valley of vineyards and walks through the countryside.

At “Dégustation Vins et Chocolats,” visitors can discover a selection of fine chocolates, chosen to showcase the pairing of wine and chocolate. If you plan to attend this tasting, check the latest dates and arrangements in advance.

The “Coup d’œil, Coup de cœur” event also connects the area with wine: it takes place each year on the fourth weekend of October and opens the wine cellars of Auxey-Duresses to the public. Check the specific dates and program for the year of your trip. This allows you to plan your stay around your own interests, with time for the landscape, the churches, or the wine experiences.

Discover more destinations: Courban, La Roche-En-Brenil, Lanthes, Maconge, Ternant, Thenissey, Planay, Saint-Seine-Sur-Vingeanne.

For the wider travel overview: Cote-Dor.