Villers-La-Faye: Wine, Trails and Heritage

Villers-La-Faye lies in a valley at an elevation of about 350 m. The oldest part of the village stretches eastward at the foot of Mont Saint-Victor. The village lies on the border between the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits and Beaune areas.

Landscape and Hiking Trails

Mont Saint-Victor is 394 m high and the highest point in Villers-La-Faye. From there, you can enjoy a view of the Côte de Beaune. The valley and the mountain thus mark two distinct landscape features: one defines the location of the oldest part of the village, while the other offers a view of the surrounding region.

The Chemin des Chauves-Souris is an 11.5 km hiking trail through Villers-La-Faye and the surrounding area. The Chemin des Grands Crus also passes through the village. For planning purposes, the trails should be considered differently: the Chemin des Chauves-Souris is defined by its specific length and route through the village and surrounding area, while the Chemin des Grands Crus is notable for passing through Villers-La-Faye.

Architectural History and Places to Visit

The former Château of Villers-La-Faye dates from the 15th century. The former cemetery church is also known as the Chapelle du Mont and is listed as a historic monument. The Chapelle Saint-Abdon dates from the 11th century, features Romanesque architecture and was altered in the 15th century. Its architectural history therefore combines early Romanesque origins with later changes.

The Chapelle Saint-Abdon is opened to the public at certain times by a local association. Check before your visit to see whether it is scheduled to be open.

Winegrowing and Local Crafts

Villers-La-Faye mainly produces regional wines, including Bourgogne Aligoté as well as red, white and rosé wines under the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits appellation. Domaine Bonnardot is a winery in the village with a tasting cellar. Visitors can meet the winemakers there and learn more about their expertise; advance notice is recommended. If you are planning a visit, take this recommendation into account. The border between the areas describes the village’s location; the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits appellation classifies red, white and rosé wines.

Tonnellerie Meyrieux adds the craft of oak-barrel making to the local heritage. It has been based in Villers-La-Faye for more than 30 years and specializes in this craft. The cooperage offers tours; group visits are available by arrangement. Confirm the details of any planned group visit before your trip.

The Church of Saint-Victor is another distinctive local feature: it is designated as a bat refuge. This adds a distinctive natural feature to the landscape, architectural history, winegrowing and crafts.

Discover more destinations: Vignoles, Montigny-Sur-Aube, Chanceaux, Gevrolles, Daix, Messigny-Et-Vantoux, Fixin, Chaudenay-Le-Château

For the overview of the wider area: Cote-Dor.