Château de Vaulichères

Château de Vaulichères is a Renaissance manor surrounded by vineyards in Tonnerre, in the heart of Burgundy. The château sits within a walled park among woods and rows of vines, right next to a small church — together they form one of the most scenic corners of the Tonnerrois district.

What is the history behind the château?

The building dates back to the sixteenth century and was raised by the Clermont-Tonnerre family, one of the oldest and most influential noble houses of Burgundy. The vines surrounding it are even older: the Tonnerre vineyard was once among the oldest and most significant in France, and the Vaulichères estate had the reputation of being the finest in the entire Tonnerrois. That golden age lasted until the end of the nineteenth century, when phylloxera devastated vineyards across the country, this one included.

Revival only came in 1990, when Olivier Refait took over the property. He set about the painstaking work of replanting the vines and restoring the estate's former standing. The results didn't go unnoticed — wines from Château Clos de Vaulichères earned a listing in the prestigious Hachette Wine Guide and recognition from French oenologists, and today they're considered a benchmark for the region.

What can you see on a visit?

Visitors can explore the historic château building and wander the walled park bordered by forest and vine rows. A small church stands right beside the main residence, a quiet witness to the estate's long past. For wine lovers, the highlight is tasting and buying bottles straight from the producer — the range includes white Bourgogne Tonnerre, red and rosé Bourgogne Épineuil, Chablis, and sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne. It's a rare chance to try wines from one of the most historic plots in the region.

These days the château also serves as a large group accommodation, or "gîte" — it offers 42 beds spread across nine bedrooms and a dormitory, plus a reception hall that can host up to 50 guests. That combination makes it a popular choice for organized groups, family gatherings, and celebrations.

How do you get to Château de Vaulichères?

The château stands in the small hamlet of Vaulichères, part of the commune of Tonnerre in the Yonne department. Tonnerre itself is well connected by rail to both Paris and Dijon, and from there the estate is only a few minutes away by car, along roads winding through vineyards and woodland. The flat surrounding countryside also makes it a pleasant area for longer walks or cycling, with some of the finest vineyard views in the Tonnerrois.

When is the best time to visit?

The most rewarding time to come is from spring through early autumn, when the vines turn green and later shift into their autumn colors ahead of harvest. September and early October bring the grape harvest, when the atmosphere around the estate is especially lively — though it's worth checking tasting availability in advance. In winter the château and its park still hold their charm, even if some of the vineyard-related activities slow down for the season.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of the château? Château de Vaulichères operates mainly as accommodation and a working vineyard, so interior visits typically happen as part of a stay or a tasting — it's best to check details directly with the hosts beforehand.

Can you buy wine at Vaulichères? Yes, the estate sells its own wines on site, including Bourgogne Tonnerre, Bourgogne Épineuil, and Crémant de Bourgogne.

How many guests can stay overnight at the château? The château sleeps 42 people across nine bedrooms and a dormitory, making it a good fit for larger groups.

How far is the château from Tonnerre? Vaulichères lies right next to Tonnerre, just a few minutes' drive from the town center.