Some places are chosen for their rooms, others for their table. Château la Commaraine is chosen first for where it stands: in the heart of the village of Pommard, 10 minutes from Beaune, right on the Route des Grands Crus. Open the shutters onto the Clos de la Commaraine and you are already on the Burgundy wine route, without getting behind the wheel.
Here is how to reach the château, what lies around it, and why Pommard is one of the best places to start exploring the Côte de Beaune.
Pommard, a Village in the Heart of the Côte de Beaune
Pommard is a village in the Côte-d'Or whose name alone evokes one of Burgundy's great red wines. Thomas Jefferson, Louis XV and Victor Hugo all praised it; Hugo described it as "the battle of day and night", a wine of both power and elegance. Its vineyards are part of the Climats of Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015.
This is where the château stands, at 24 Grande Rue. Its origins date back to the 12th century, and today it is Burgundy's first five-star hotel set among the vines: a 3.63-hectare Pommard Premier Cru Monopole clos surrounds it, and most rooms overlook the vineyard. Discover the château's history.
The Route des Grands Crus, Burgundy's Most Famous Wine Route
Created in 1937, the Route des Grands Crus was France's first wine route. It runs for around 60 kilometres from Dijon to Santenay and passes through 37 wine villages, from Gevrey-Chambertin to Chassagne-Montrachet. Fully signposted, it follows small roads between stone walls and walled vineyards, as close to the vines as you can get.
Pommard sits on its southern stretch, the Côte de Beaune, between Beaune and Volnay. A centre position: to the north lie Aloxe-Corton, Nuits-Saint-Georges, the Clos de Vougeot and the Côte de Nuits; to the south, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and the great white wines. From the château, most villages on the route are less than 30 minutes away.
Getting to Château la Commaraine from Paris, Dijon, Lyon and Geneva
The château is easy to reach, whether you are travelling from within France or from abroad:
- From Beaune: 10 minutes by car. Beaune station is served from Paris via Dijon.
- From Dijon: around 45 minutes. Dijon TGV station is about 1h35 from Paris Gare de Lyon.
- By air: Lyon, Geneva and Paris are the most convenient airports.
- Private transfer: on request, our team arranges your transfer from the station or airport.
Wine Villages to Discover from the Château
The Route des Grands Crus is a string of villages, each with its own character. Our Guest Experience Makers love designing itineraries through Burgundy's wine villages, as a stroll, a half-day or a full day:
- Volnay, Pommard's immediate neighbour, perched above its vines and known for its delicate reds.
- Meursault, with its lanes and château, is the capital of the Côte de Beaune's great white wines.
- Puligny-Montrachet, home to legendary white grands crus and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Aloxe-Corton, at the foot of the Corton hill, with its glazed-tile roofs.
- Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée and Gevrey-Chambertin, further north on the Côte de Nuits.
- Santenay, at the southern end of the route.
Our team books estate appointments, arranges tastings and organises transfers. Meet Burgundy's wine estates in Pommard, Beaune, Nuits-Saint-Georges or Mercurey.
Exploring the Wine Route Differently
The Burgundy wine route can also be explored without a car. The Voie des Vignes cycle path, from Dijon to Santenay, runs through Pommard: by bike, you can reach Beaune or Meursault along vineyard lanes. The château also offers horseback, cycling and walking outings straight from the Clos.
For a different perspective on the vineyards, explore the route in a vintage 2CV, a sidecar or a hot-air balloon, floating above the patchwork of Climats.
When to Travel the Burgundy Wine Route
Each season gives the Route des Grands Crus a different face. In spring, the vines wake up and estates reopen their cellars to visitors. Summer brings terraces and long evenings that invite you to slow down. In September, the harvest brings the villages to life: the perfect time to see the work of the vineyard up close. Autumn turns the slopes red and gold, and November brings the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction, the region's biggest event.
In winter, Burgundy becomes more intimate: vaulted cellars, generous tables and quiet villages. Whatever the season, our Guest Experience Makers tailor each itinerary to the rhythm of the vineyard.
Back at the Château: the Clos, the Winery and the Table
After a day on the Route des Grands Crus, the château remains the closest stop to the vines. The Domaine de la Commaraine covers 7.48 hectares across ten climats, from Chambolle-Musigny to Saint-Aubin, farmed biodynamically. Guests have access to the winery, rebuilt within the château itself, and to private tastings at the Domaine de la Commaraine.
In the evening, Le Clos serves seasonal Burgundian cuisine overlooking the winery, while Le VIII, the gastronomic restaurant, sits beneath the vaulted ceilings of the old cellar. In between, the heated outdoor pool and treatments at the spa round off the day.
Boots and a raincoat wait in every room, ready for the next morning in the vines. Discover our rooms and suites.
Key Facts
- Address: 24 Grande Rue, 21630 Pommard (Côte-d'Or), on the Route des Grands Crus
- Route des Grands Crus: created in 1937, around 60 km from Dijon to Santenay, 37 wine villages
- Distances: 10 min from Beaune, around 45 min from Dijon
- Access: TGV Paris–Dijon in about 1h35; Lyon, Geneva and Paris airports; private transfer on request
- The hotel: Burgundy's first five-star hotel set among the vines, 37 rooms and suites
- The vineyard: Clos de la Commaraine, a 3.63-hectare Pommard Premier Cru Monopole, farmed biodynamically
- Heritage: the Climats of Burgundy, UNESCO World Heritage since 2015
FAQ
Where is Château la Commaraine?
At 24 Grande Rue in Pommard (Côte-d'Or), on the Route des Grands Crus, 10 minutes from Beaune and around 45 minutes from Dijon.
What is the Route des Grands Crus?
It is Burgundy's most famous wine route. Created in 1937, it runs for around 60 km from Dijon to Santenay and passes through 37 wine villages, including Pommard.
How can I get to the château without a car?
By train to Dijon (about 1h35 from Paris) or Beaune, then by private transfer arranged by our team on request. The most convenient airports are Lyon, Geneva and Paris.
Which villages should I visit near Pommard?
Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Aloxe-Corton and Santenay on the Côte de Beaune; Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée and Gevrey-Chambertin on the Côte de Nuits. All are around 15 to 40 minutes away.
Can I explore the Burgundy wine route by bike?
Yes. The Voie des Vignes cycle path, from Dijon to Santenay, runs through Pommard. The château also organises cycling, horseback and walking outings from the Clos.
To stay at the heart of the Route des Grands Crus, book your stay at Château la Commaraine.
