Maison du Colombier

Maison du Colombier is a historic townhouse in the heart of Beaune, Burgundy, combining centuries-old architecture with a boutique stay-and-dine concept.

What makes this place worth a visit?

The building dates back to the 16th century, built during a period when Beaune's old town was taking shape as a merchant and wine-trading center. Its most distinctive feature is an octagonal corner turret that once served as a lookout point, still standing as a striking architectural accent on the street facade. Because of its historical value, the facade, roof and corner tower are officially listed as protected heritage monuments in France, which keeps their original appearance intact.

Today the building houses a set of urban self-catering apartments (gîtes urbains) alongside a gastro-bar. The air-conditioned studios and apartments come with a small kitchenette (hob, microwave, fridge) and a lounge area with a flat-screen TV — a practical option for travelers who want independence without giving up a genuinely historic address.

How do you get there?

Maison du Colombier sits right in Beaune's old town, within easy walking distance of the town's main landmarks, including the famous Hospices de Beaune. The town has good rail links to Dijon (around a fifteen-minute ride) and to Lyon, making it a natural stop on a Burgundy road or rail trip. From the train station it's a short walk into the historic center, and the narrow old streets are best explored on foot or by bike.

What can you see nearby?

The gastro-bar's terrace looks out onto the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame in Beaune, one of the region's most important Romanesque churches. The surrounding old town also features the town's medieval ramparts, cobbled lanes, and a dense concentration of wine cellars and merchant houses — Beaune is widely regarded as Burgundy's unofficial wine capital. The gastro-bar itself serves tapas, open sandwiches and Iberian charcuterie boards, with a wine list running to more than 900 references, including a generous by-the-glass selection — a draw in its own right for wine travelers.

When should you visit?

Spring and summer are the best seasons to enjoy the terrace facing the collegiate church, when it stays open into the evening. Autumn brings the grape harvest, when Beaune fills up with tastings and wine festivals. Winter is quieter, which makes it a good time to explore the building's historic interiors and visit nearby cellars without the crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Is Maison du Colombier a hotel or a restaurant? Both — the historic building combines self-catering apartments (gîtes urbains) with a gastro-bar offering food and an extensive wine list.

How old is the building? It dates back to the 16th century, and its facade, roof and corner tower are listed as protected historical monuments in France.

Can you see Beaune's landmarks from the terrace? Yes, the gastro-bar's terrace overlooks the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, one of the town's key religious landmarks.

Is it a good base for exploring Burgundy? Yes — its central location in Beaune and proximity to the train station make it convenient for day trips to Dijon and into the Côte d'Or vineyards.