Villers-la-Faye combines a distinctive valley setting with wine, craftsmanship and architectural history. The village lies on the valley floor at an elevation of about 350 m; its oldest part stretches eastwards at the foot of Mont Saint-Victor, which is 394 m high. Villers-la-Faye also lies on the boundary between the Hautes-CĂ´tes de Nuits and Beaune areas. This offers several starting points for planning a trip: wine production, walking trails and buildings reflecting different historical influences.
Mont Saint-Victor is the highest point in Villers-la-Faye and offers views of the CĂ´te de Beaune. Together with the valley floor, it provides a landmark for your stay. Those looking to bring together culture, landscape and wine in one place will find several distinct points of interest here.
Wine and craftsmanship in Villers-la-Faye
Villers-la-Faye mainly produces regional wines: Bourgogne Aligoté, as well as red, white and rosé wines under the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits appellation. Domaine Bonnardot has a tasting cellar on the estate. Visitors can meet the winemakers there and learn more about their expertise; advance notice is recommended. This offers a chance to learn about wine both through the appellations produced and through the winemakers’ knowledge.
The Meyrieux cooperage adds another craft to the picture: it has been based in Villers-la-Faye for more than 30 years and specialises in making oak barrels. Tours are available, and group visits can be arranged by appointment. If a tour or group visit is an essential part of your plans, confirm the details before you arrive.
Walking trails and landscape
The Chemin des Chauves-Souris is an 11.5 km walking trail through Villers-la-Faye and its surroundings. The Chemin des Grands Crus also passes through Villers-la-Faye. The two descriptions offer different points of reference: the first highlights its stated route length, while the second focuses on its route through the village. This can help you distinguish between the routes when planning to include walking in your stay.
Mont Saint-Victor is also part of the landscape: it is the highest point in the commune and offers views of the CĂ´te de Beaune. Together with the location of the oldest part of the village at the foot of the mountain, this gives the settlement a clear connection to its elevation. The views and the walking trails are different aspects of a stay, which you can consider according to your interests.
Architectural history and visiting conditions
The architectural history spans several centuries. The former Château de Villers-la-Faye dates from the 15th century. The former cemetery church is known as the Chapelle du Mont and is a listed historic monument. The Chapelle Saint-Abdon offers a closer look at the development of the architecture: it dates from the 11th century and features Romanesque architecture that was altered in the 15th century. Its origins and later changes are part of the same architectural history.
The Chapelle Saint-Abdon is opened to the public at certain times by a local association. If you would like to visit the chapel, check its opening times in advance. The Église Saint-Victor adds a natural-history dimension to the named cultural sites: it is classified as a bat refuge.
Discover more destinations: Quincey, Eringes, Saint-Aubin, Vitteaux, Lanthes, Ternant, Blaisy-Bas, Villars-Et-Villenotte.
For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.
