Château de Cîteaux: 19th-Century Château Over 12th-Century Wine Cellars Opens as Luxe Hotel in Burgundy

Fontenille Collection has opened its first property in Burgundy, the birthplace of Chardonnay. The Château de Cîteaux, a transformed 19th-century château located in Meursault, is now a luxury hotel with 35 rooms and suites, 18 of which are ready for guests, with the remaining 17 expected by 2027. The hotel is perched above 12th-century wine cellars originally built by Cistercian monks, who were given land by the dukes of Burgundy in the Vieux-Clos vineyard. The château was designed by architect Jules Bernard, and the property was once owned by ninth-generation Meursault grower Philippe Bouzerau, whose wines are featured at the hotel. The interiors reflect the Napoleon III-era Second Empire style and pay homage to the Barbizon School, with local ateliers like Leblond Père et Fils providing bespoke woodwork. Conservator Alice Gardien restored paintings and frescoes in the hotel's restaurant, Célestine, named after Bernard's daughter. Chef Christophe Vauthier will serve regional cuisine, and the hotel offers activities such as vineyard picnics, tastings, harvest events with Bouzerau, and explorations of the 12th-century cellars. The spa features treatments based on monks' apothecary, a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, hammam, and sauna. Rates start at approximately $440 (380 euros) per night. CEO Linda Hazi stated that the opening, timed with the company's 10-year anniversary, marks a milestone as their most historically rich property.