Abbaye de la Bussière
Monastic grandeur meets English country house warmth. Stone arches, silk fabrics, antique furniture, hunting lodge lounges, and Cistercian vaulting — all of it real, none of it theme-parked. Quiet and deeply rural; expect birdsong, not nightlife.
The Cluny Suite has a Jacuzzi directly adjacent to the bedroom and sleeps beneath original ogival arches — worth the splurge for couples.
Why It Matters
Founded in 1131 and consecrated in 1172, the abbey is a classified historic monument. Its frescoes — discovered only during the modern restoration — are genuinely unique. The restaurant Le 1131 sits beneath medieval rib-vaulted cloisters and has carried Michelin recognition. Honored as 'Hideaway of the Year' by American journalist Andrew Harper in 2008.
A genuine 12th-century Cistercian abbey converted into a luxury boutique hotel, sitting on 7–8 hectares of parkland in the Ouche Valley between Dijon and Beaune. The stone vaults, original medieval frescoes, and a lake dotted with bronze sculptures make this place look like it was designed by someone who wanted to prove that history and comfort aren't mutually exclusive. The property has recently pivoted to focus heavily on weddings and corporate events, but still offers accommodation and its Michelin-listed restaurant Le 1131 beneath extraordinary rib-vaulted cloisters.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Cluny Suite
Named after the renowned Benedictine abbey of Cluny. Located on the first floor of the main building (no elevator). Features a Jacuzzi adjacent to the bedroom and a luxurious bathroom with deep soaking tub and rain shower. Sleeps beneath original medieval ogival arches. First-floor views over the French-style garden below. The most romantic option in the house.
King · 68 sqm
Cosy Room (Ferté)
Located in an adjoining outbuilding within the park, not the main abbey. Queen-size bed, large bay windows looking onto centuries-old trees. Distinctive touches include a leather-top drum table, carved oak chairs, silk tassel Victorian lampshades, and bespoke floral wallpaper based on an original 1920s design. Good for those on a tighter budget, but note it lacks the abbey stonework of higher categories.
Queen · 29 sqm
Deluxe Room
Ranges from 39 to 46 m². Spacious rooms with park views, antique furniture, plush bedding, and rich fabrics. Larger bathrooms than Superior category. Named after Burgundy abbeys or châteaux.
42 sqmDuplex Suite (Clairvaux / Echarlis)
100 m² across two levels, sleeping up to 6 guests. Set in the former maison des sœurs (nuns' residence). Lower level has a spacious living area; upper floor holds the bedroom. Both suites have a luxurious bathroom with soaking tub and rain shower, plus private garden with views of the abbey and ornamental lake. The two suites can be connected for larger groups or families. The best option for multi-generation travel.
100 sqmJunior Suite
Ranges from 45 to 64 m², sleeping 2 adults and 1 child. Five individually named suites: Ermitage (tucked under a stone arch with private terrace), Créancey (in a charming park house, good for families), Loizerolle (exposed beams from the abbey's origins with a grand bathroom), Trizay (imposing canopy bed for romantic escapes), and Maizières (period furnishings overlooking the consecrated crypt). All have park views.
54 sqmSuperior Room
Ranges from 28 to 40 m² depending on the specific room. Park views, individually decorated with antique woodwork and rich fabrics. A step up from Cosy with more space and typically more character, some located within the abbey itself.
34 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Explore the on-site crypt, historic wine cellar, the 16th-century oak wine press, and original Cistercian frescoes discovered during the modern restoration. Tombstones of crusading knights remain in the garden. Much of this is self-guided.
Bicycles available for exploring the surrounding Burgundy countryside and the Burgundy Canal towpath.
7–8 hectares of parkland to explore, including the monks' historic paths (Chemin des Moines) leading into the hills, the ornamental lake, botanical gardens, and an ancient 16th-century oak wine press. Bronze sculptures by British artist Paul Day are dotted along the driveway.
Wine tours and tastings in the Côte-d'Or and Route des Grands Crus, arranged through the hotel. The property sits 25 km from the wine road with Dijon and Beaune 30 minutes away.
Scripted residential group experiences running most weekends. Medieval-themed mystery and adventure scenarios set throughout the abbey grounds: treasure hunts in the crypt, Cistercian conspiracies, ghost investigations, and medieval tournaments. Bookable as a complete package including accommodation and dining.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Multiple event spaces for corporate meetings, seminars, and private events. Lounges can accommodate up to 50 seated guests and 60 for cocktail receptions. Outdoor park capacity up to 200 for cocktail events.
High-speed Wi-Fi available in all rooms and public areas.
Babysitting services available on request.
Nespresso machines in all rooms and suites.
On-site parking, no reservation needed.
Electric vehicle charging available on-site, confirmed by guest reviews.
Pets welcome on request; charges may apply. Up to 3 dogs per room accepted. A veterinary surgery is located less than 30 minutes away.
The property does not have a swimming pool.
Luggage storage available for guests.
Room service available.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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