Fontenille Collection Opens Château de Cîteaux in Burgundy, France

New Hotel Establishes Burgundy Presence

Fontenille Collection has opened its first property in Burgundy, France. The new Château de Cîteaux is located in Meursault, a village known for its wines. This launch expands the collection's portfolio into a significant French viticultural area. The hotel occupies a converted 19th-century château. This structure stands directly over 12th-century Cistercian wine cellars.

The property offers 35 rooms and suites. Currently, 18 rooms are available for guests. The remaining 17 will become ready later in 2027. The château is approximately a three-hour train journey from Paris. It provides a base for exploring France's prominent wine country.

Deep Historical Roots and Winemaking Heritage

Château de Cîteaux possesses a long history extending beyond its 19th-century construction. The Cistercian order, founded in 1098, received land grants from Burgundy's dukes. These grants were for establishing vineyards in Meursault's Vieux-Clos. The monks then built the cellars that remain intact today.

Architect Jules Bernard later constructed the current château edifice over these ancient cellars. This directly links the property to centuries of winemaking. Philippe Bouzerau, a ninth-generation Meursault grower, previously owned the estate. His cuvées are now available for guests at the hotel. This further embeds the property within local wine traditions.

Design, Dining, and Artisan Craftsmanship

The hotel's design reflects the Napoleon III-era Second Empire style. Features include torsade columns, muted greens, and terra-cotta accents. Stonework is prevalent throughout the property. Interiors also pay homage to the 19th-century Barbizon School of painters. These artists focused on landscapes and nature.

Rooms offer private terraces overlooking the Côte de Beaune vineyards. Fontenille Collection engaged local ateliers for the hotel's creation. Leblond Père et Fils crafted bespoke woodwork. The on-site restaurant, Célestine, features restored paintings and frescoes. Conservator Alice Gardien completed this work.

Named for Bernard's daughter, Célestine serves regional cheeses, river fish, and Bresse poultry. Chef Christophe Vauthier uses vegetables from local markets. The wine list includes Bouzerau's cuvées and other Côte de Beaune appellations.

Activities and Wellness Offerings

Fontenille Collection has planned various activities for guests. Options include vineyard picnics and tastings with nearby winemakers. A harvest event with Philippe Bouzerau is scheduled from August to September this year. Guests can also explore the 12th-century Cistercian cellars. Tastings within these historic cellars will commence in September this year.

The hotel's spa provides treatments based on monastic apothecaries. It also features a heated indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, a hammam, and a sauna. Beyond the hotel, guests can visit other historic regional villages. These include Beaune, known as Burgundy's wine capital, and Pommard.

Implications for Luxury Travellers and Industry

Linda Hazi, CEO of Fontenille Collection, stated the opening honours the house's winemaking heritage. She noted its Cistercian roots and 19th-century elegance. This debut coincides with the collection's 10-year anniversary. Hazi also highlighted Château de Cîteaux as their first Burgundy address. She described it as their most historically rich property to date.

Starting rates for a stay at Château de Cîteaux begin at approximately 380 euros (about $440) per night. This new offering provides a refined option for luxury travellers. It reinforces Burgundy's position as a destination for historical and oenological tourism. The opening demonstrates continued investment in high-end regional hospitality.