Discover Gilly-Lès-Cîteaux

During a stay in Gilly-Lès-Cîteaux, you can focus on architectural history, trails or regional produce. If you are looking for a hotel, you might first consider whether historic sites, a hike, or cheese and wine will be the deciding factor for your trip. The town offers specific points of interest for each: from the partly protected Château des Abbés de Cîteaux to a 17-kilometre route and cheese tastings.

Heritage and historic buildings

The Château des Abbés de Cîteaux is partially listed as a historic monument. The protected features include the moat, four park gates, the cellar and selected interior rooms. The listed features therefore encompass both parts of the grounds and areas inside the château.

The Grange de Saulx has its own distinct history: the de Saulx family built it in the 13th century. In 1449, the Cistercians acquired the Grange at the initiative of their abbot, Jean Vion. Its construction and subsequent acquisition are clearly distinct milestones in its history. Today, the Grange is used for cultural events; specific programmes may vary. If you are travelling for a particular event, check the latest dates.

The Château de Gilly-lès-Cîteaux originated as a Benedictine priory. The Cistercians took over the site in the 13th century. In the 14th century, during the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453), the château became a fortress. The Pont Chevalier also recalls a later period: it was rebuilt in 1679 after the Wars of Religion.

The Church of Saint-Germain dates from the 14th century. It has a step-free entrance and a step-free outdoor path with a surface suitable for wheelchair access; this path is at least 90 centimetres wide throughout. The accessibility information dates from December 2022. Before travelling, confirm whether these conditions still apply.

Hiking and the Vouge

The GR de pays de Grands Crus long-distance hiking trail passes through Gilly-lès-Cîteaux. Another option with a specified distance is the easy 17-kilometre “Sur les traces des moines de Cîteaux” route. Check trail conditions and waymarking before setting out.

There is also a short walk around the Vouge. Distinguishing this walk from the 17-kilometre route can help with planning: the riverside route is highlighted for the former, while the distance and difficulty level are specified for the latter. Near the Church of Saint-Germain, a footbridge overlooks the Vouge. The town also has the remains of numerous mills.

Cheese, wine and visits

The Fromagerie Delin, located in Gilly-lès-Cîteaux, produces regional cheeses, including Brillat-Savarin, Morbier and Tome. Les Halles de Gilly is an outlet store in the town. Alongside cheese, it offers other regional products, including charcuterie, regional specialities and selected wines.

At the Fromagerie Delin site, Les Voûtes by Delin offers wine and cheese tastings. Cheese production, a range of regional products and tastings thus provide different options for food-focused days. If you are planning to attend a tasting, check the latest offers and dates.

Visits may also be relevant to your travel plans: the Amis du patrimoine et de l’histoire de Gilly organise tours of the town during the Journées du Patrimoine. Check the dates for the relevant edition if you are planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Montbard, Grésigny-Sainte-Reine, Vertault, Châtellenot, La Rochepot, Bressey-Sur-Tille, Montigny-Sur-Aube, Bellenod-Sur-Seine

For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.