Built: 13th century
Status: Hotel, Restaurant
Visitable?: Yes as a customer
Notable: Wine tasting
Web: Chateau de Balleure
The Chateau de Balleure is located in the middle of the wine area of Burgundy. The 13th century castle is atypical for the castles in the area, making it an interesting visit.
Not much of the earlier history of this castle is known. It was built somewhere in the 13th century. Henri de Sauvement owned the land and received permission by the Duke of Burgundy to build a castle.Afterwards it changed hands a few times.
The Balleure castle is built on a rectangular plan flanked by circular towers/turrets.
To the east of the castle is a residential building, to the north a gatehouse tower, a large square tower and a second smaller square tower and to the west a high building used as residence flanked by a staircase tower.
The castle used to have a moat around it and even a drawbridge, but nowadays the old moat is used partially as a garden/relaxation area where you can have your tea/coffee or a bite to eat. Or just take some sun.
Chateau de Balleure medieval kitchen gardens
Chateau de Balleure medieval kitchen gardensNOTE: There are several photos above, click on the top tabs (above the photo), to view the other photos.
The castle has a kitchen garden (in French a “Potager“), built the old fashion, medieval, way. All the vegetables and spices are used in the castle/hotel’s own restaurant kitchen.
The castle is surrounded by several outbuildings, mostly used for agricultural purposes. Apart from the buildings, you will also find….
… nice gardens for a quiet stroll.
Entry to the castle/hotel is via the main gate. You will find a small groundskeeper house at the far end.
To your immediate right is…
…. the entrance to the hotel portion of the castle. When you enter through the door, you will see …
… a lounge/reception area.
On the other side of the castle ….
Aerial bridge over the old moat of the Balleure castle
Other side of the aerial bridge over the old moat of the Balleure castle
Tea/Coffee resting area in the old moat of the Balleure castleNOTE: There are several photos above, click on the top tabs (above the photo), to view the other photos.
… in the former moat, you will find comfortable seats and an eating area inside an igloo.
The whole area is restful, and above ,you will see an aerial bridge taking you from the conference center to the gardens.
Conference room of the Balleure castle
Stairs inside the round turret of the Balleure castle
Wine tasting/dining area of the Balleure castleNOTE: There are several photos above, click on the top tabs (above the photo), to view the other photos.
Inside, the castle has been tastefully restored. All material used, and the building processes has been accomplished the “old fashion” way; with quality and taste.
The conference room is limited to 15 people, and even has a fireplaces. Although equipped with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, none are visible.
The wine tasting (more about that below), and dinner area, is cozy with its own fireplace.
Wine Tasting
The Balleure castle is owned by Raoul Salama, a worldwide recognised authority on wines. A former world champion in wine tasting, he is currently a professor at the University of Bordeaux at “Faculty of Oenology“, and a journalist in the specialised wine trade magazines. He has also authored several books about wine.
Needless to say, the castle has an impressive wine menu, but they are destined for wine connoisseurs. Don’t expect any cardboard box wines.
Conclusion
If you are into wines, or just looking for a few relaxing days in the Burgundy area, AND you are interested in staying and seeing an old castle, this one’s for you.