Check out the Château de Savigny museums: planes, cars, motorcycles…

Discover the Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune and Its Unique Collections

The Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune offers an intriguing mix of historical architecture and extraordinary collections. For €20 per ticket, visitors enjoy a full day of exploration that combines historic monuments with unusual museums. The self-guided tour spans 1 to 2 hours, providing ample time to admire vintage aircraft, racing cars, motorcycles, and vintage fire trucks.

Located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, this site is ideal for those interested in automotive, aviation, and motorbike history, along with a taste of prestigious Burgundy wines. The castle, built in 1340 and renovated in the 17th century, is a listed heritage site and offers free access to its collections and park. Visitors should note the open hours from Thursday to Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m..

The combination of historic architecture and eclectic collections makes this tour a standout for history buffs, automobile enthusiasts, and wine lovers alike. The free parking and ticket validity for the entire day add to the convenience, making this a flexible and engaging outing.

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Key Points

• Unusual collections: fighter planes, Abarth racing cars, vintage motorcycles, fire trucks, and over 8,000 models.
• Historic monuments: 14th-century castle and 17th-century Petit-Château.
• Wine tasting: on-site prestigious Burgundy wines available for sampling and purchase.
• Free access: to the castle, collections, and park during opening hours.
• Self-guided experience: no official guide needed, with signage and detailed displays.
• Timing: open Thursday to Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m..

The Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune: A Fortress Turned Museum

The Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune dates back to 1340 and underwent renovations in the 17th century. Its listed status preserves its historical significance, while its transformation into a museum houses remarkable collections. Visitors are free to walk around the castle grounds and park, taking in views of the surrounding landscape.

The castle’s outbuildings contain 30 prototypes of Abarth racing cars, showcasing the evolution of high-performance motorsport. Plus, the museum of vintage motorcycles features more than 200 models dating from 1903 to 1960; these include bikes associated with Jean Mermoz and Canon Kir. The fighter planes and helicopters are displayed in the castle park, giving visitors a sense of military aviation history.

Other museums on site include a firefighters’ museum, a high-clearance tractor museum, and a wine and viticultural equipment museum. Collectively, these exhibits highlight the diversity of transportation and industrial history present at the site.

Exploring the Collections: Aircraft, Cars, and Motorcycles

One of the most captivating aspects of this tour is the variety of collections. The hundred fighter planes and helicopters are displayed outdoors, offering a close-up view of aviation technology. The 30 prototypes of Abarth racing cars are housed within the castle and its outbuildings, giving insight into racing heritage.

The 200 vintage motorcycles span nearly six decades, with some models linked to notable personalities like Jean Mermoz, a famous pilot, and Canon Kir, a renowned motorcycle rider. The motorcycles are presented with detailed descriptions that highlight their historical significance.

The firefighters’ museum adds a layer of public service history, displaying fire trucks that range in age and design. Visitors appreciate the variety of exhibits, which together create an engaging visual journey through transportation innovation.

The Petit-Château: Tasting and Dining in a Historic Setting

Within the 1671 Petit Château, visitors find the tasting cellar and dining room, offering an opportunity to sample Burgundy wines. This reserved experience is available for groups of 20 or more and requires advance reservation. The tasting features wines from Les Caves de l’Orangerie, managed by the owner’s son, Christophe Pont.

The wine tasting adds a delicious flavor to the visit, giving guests a chance to appreciate Burgundy’s renowned wines in a historic setting. The cellar, with its traditional architecture, enhances the authentic experience of wine tasting in France.

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Practical Details: Planning Your Visit

The tour begins at the Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune, with free parking available during opening hours. Visitors should arrive before 4:30 p.m. for the last admission. The self-guided tour features signposted routes and informative displays, requiring no guided group.

The duration of the visit is generally between 1 and 2 hours, depending on how thoroughly guests explore the collections. The site is closed on December 25, January 1, and from January 5 to 22, 2026. The site offers multilingual support in French and English, making it accessible to international visitors.

The Experience of a Self-Guided, Flexible Tour

This visit shines for its flexibility and ease of access. The unguided tour allows guests to explore at their own pace, while signage guides the way. The ticket is valid for the entire day, so visitors can return or pause their visit as needed.

The free admission to the collections, castle, and park provides excellent value, especially considering the variety of exhibits. For those interested in Burgundy wines, the on-site tasting adds another memorable layer to the experience.

Audience for This Tour

This tour caters well to history enthusiasts, automobile and aviation fans, and wine lovers alike. The outdoor aircraft displays and motorcycle exhibits appeal to families, while the historic castle and museum ambiance attract those interested in architecture and heritage.

Since the tour is unguided, it suits visitors comfortable with self-guided exploration. The availability of free parking and flexible timing makes it an attractive option for travelers exploring the Burgundy region.

Final Thoughts on the Château de Savigny Museums

The Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune offers a distinctive blend of history, transportation, and wine. Its collections of fighter planes, racing cars, and motorcycles are impressive and presented in a way that’s accessible without a guide. The historic castle and Petit-Château’s tasting cellar enhance the overall experience.

The value for money is clear, especially with free access to the grounds and collections, and the opportunity to taste Burgundy wines on site. While the self-guided format may not suit those seeking a guided narrative, it allows for personal pacing and independent discovery.

This tour is ideal for those interested in transportation history and wine, looking for a relaxed day of exploration within a beautiful historic setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee for the Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune?
Yes, the ticket costs €20, providing free access to the castle, collections, and park during the visit.

How long does the tour last?
The self-guided experience typically takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on how thoroughly visitors explore the exhibits.

Are there guided tours available?
No, the tour is unguided, with signposted routes and displays guiding visitors through the site.

Can I visit the château in winter?
Yes, the château is open Thursday to Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Be aware of winter hours and plan accordingly.

Is there parking on-site?
Yes, free parking is available during opening hours, making access convenient.

Can I enjoy wine tasting here?
Yes, the Petit Château houses a tasting cellar where Burgundy wines from Les Caves de l’Orangerie are available for sampling and purchase—reservations are required for groups of 20 or more.

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