At the summer and winter soltice, sunbeams cross through the median line of the aligned gates and tower, inviting the sun to rise and set at the château…

The earliest mention of the domain allows us to date the construction of the château to the late 16th century. According to the oldest extant documents, in 1590 it was known as the Seigneurie de Clessé and belonged to the Canon of St-Pierre de Mâcon. Antoine de Laubépin was its official lord in 1595 and in 1620, François de Rébé, the provost-marshall of St-Pierre leased the domain.

In 1737, Besseuil was given the attractive appearance that characterises it today. Purchased at a public auction in 2005, the Château de Besseuil and its outbuildings underwent a period of restoration starting in June of that year.

In close cooperation with the architect André Meillard, a specialist in restoring historical monuments, the renovation work focused on preserving the structure of the building, adapting it to current comfort and safety standards and furnishing it with contemporary and antique furniture in keeping with the general structure and personality of the mansion.

Today the main building of the Château has been completely restored and cleaned up, while safeguarding its history and architectural qualities. Special care was taken to reconstruct the buildings using the original materials, thanks to the work of artisans who acquired most of their knowledge and skills from traditions of craftsmen.

The domain extends over slightly more than four hectares of vineyards which produce the wine of the Château de Besseuil, a Chardonnay bearing the label AOC Viré-Clessé. The vineyards have been been cultivated for many years by Jean Thévenet, a well-known winegrower and winemaker.

Château de Besseuil, Viré Clessé 2005. Château de Besseuil, Cuvée Levroutée, Viré-Clessé 2006…
Since the opening of the Château wine cellar, wine lovers can come to taste and buy the domain wine, a Chardonnay labelled AOC Viré-Clessé as well as Maison Thévenet et Fils wines and other appellations such as Les Hospices de Beaune.