Discover Bessey-Lès-Cîteaux

Bessey-Lès-Cîteaux combines the history of its churches and chapel with a landscape shaped by forests, meadows and damp hollows. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the village, these themes can help shape your itinerary: the focus is on historical landmarks, the setting in the Plaine de Cîteaux and a named circular hiking trail.

Landscape of the Plaine de Cîteaux

Bessey-lès-Cîteaux lies in the Plaine de Cîteaux landscape area, between the Vouge and the forests of Cîteaux and Izeure. The plain is characterised by oak forests, straight paths, farmland clearings or meadows, and damp hollows. These are distinct landscape features that describe the character of the plain, although they may not all lie directly within the village.

Bessey-lès-Cîteaux is part of the Natura 2000 site “Forêts de Cîteaux et environs” and its bird protection area. The site codes are SIC FR2601013 and ZPS FR2612007. The protected area includes extensive deciduous forest, numerous ponds and agricultural landscapes in the Saône plain. This means that, alongside the village centre, the wider landscape of the surrounding area can also be part of your travel plans.

Church, chapel and local history

The Church of Saint-Vincent dates from the 19th century and replaced an earlier chapel in 1840. Inside is a carved altarpiece: it is dated to 1430 and attributed to Claus Sluter; his nephew Claus Werve completed it. The altarpiece is a polyptych consisting of seven panels and depicting the Passion of Christ. Since 1840, it has been set into the wall behind the altar.

The church also has two bells, dating from 1492 and 1509. It also houses the original statue of the Madonna associated with the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Lée. The chapel itself dates from 1565 and was built at the request of Louis de BAISSEY. It contains a copy of the Madonna, which was found at this site. Notre-Dame de Lée is also associated with a local pilgrimage tradition.

Construction of the Château de BAISSEY began in 1671. Captain LAVAL completed it in the early 18th century, adding an external staircase, a slate roof and a park. Some frescoes from the Second World War period are still visible at the château; before visiting, it is advisable to check locally whether they are currently visible. The Maison forte de Bessey-lès-Cîteaux is classified as a modern château. The Motte Montjardin consists of earthwork remains.

Hiking and getting around

The Notre-Dame de Lée circular hiking trail is listed as 8.4 km long, with 110 metres of elevation gain and a duration of two hours. The route description dated 8 March 2019 gives the Notre-Dame de Lée circular hiking trail as 8.4 km long, with 110 metres of elevation gain and a duration of two hours. The trail also continues for about one kilometre to a car park near the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Lée. Check the current route and parking conditions before setting out.

The RD116c between Aubigny and Aiserey is a useful reference point in the local road network. From Aiserey, you can reach Bessey-Lès-Cîteaux via a three-arch bridge over the Vouge. On arrival, this specific road and striking river crossing meet the landscape between the Vouge and the forests of Cîteaux and Izeure.

Discover more destinations: La Bussière-sur-Ouche, Venarey-Les-Laumes, Chambolle-Musigny, Manlay, Longvic, Bessey-En-Chaume, Terrefondrée, Grésigny-Sainte-Reine.

For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.