Époisses:village, AOP cheese and medieval castle

In a nutshell: Époisses is a Burgundian village in the Auxois region, world-famous for its AOP washed-rind cheese aged with Marc de Bourgogne. Beyond the cheese, it is home to a castle with medieval origins (10th-13th century), a remarkable church and a centuries-old cheese-making tradition. A must-stop for gourmets and heritage lovers.

Époisses is first and foremost a name that immediately evokes cheese: a small orange brick with a washed rind, powerful character and melting texture. But this village in the Burgundian Auxois, perched on a limestone spur, has much more to offer than its dairy nectar. With its castle with medieval origins, its Saint-Symphorien church, its cobbled streets and passionate producers like the Fromagerie Berthaut, Époisses is a choice destination for anyone wishing to discover authentic Burgundy, the Burgundy of flavours and stone.

Époisses cheese: an AOP treasure

The history of a monastic tradition

Époisses cheese is much more than just a food: it is a gastronomic heritage dating back to the 16th century. Originally, it was the Cistercian monks of Cîteaux Abbey who developed the recipe in the region’s monasteries. Cheese was then a way of preserving milk produced by local farms, in a region where dairy farming was dominant.

The specificity of Époisses lies in its unique ageing process. After a few weeks of maturing, the cheese is regularly washed with Marc de Bourgogne, an alcohol produced from grape distillation. This washing, repeated several times during ageing, allows the development of a characteristic orange rind and those powerful aromas that make the cheese’s reputation. The minimum ageing is 4 weeks, but the strongest cheeses are aged for 8 to 10 weeks.

Protected designation of origin

Époisses obtained Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC) status in 1991, which became Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) in 1996, recognising the unique link between the cheese and its Burgundian terroir. The specifications are strict:

• The milk must come from Montbéliarde or Simmental cows raised in the designated area.
• The cows’ feed must be based on grass and hay from the region, guaranteeing milk quality.
• Ageing must be carried out in the designated area, which covers part of Côte-d’Or, Yonne and Nièvre.
• The Marc de Bourgogne used for washing must be produced in the region.

These requirements guarantee a cheese of consistent quality, with a strong character, which has conquered the tables of the greatest French and international restaurants. On average, over 1,000 tonnes of Époisses are produced each year, a significant portion of which is exported.

Tasting Époisses

Époisses should be enjoyed at room temperature to release all its aromas. It is ideal accompanied by country bread or walnut bread, and pairs wonderfully with a white Burgundy wine - a Chablis, Petit Chablis or Bourgogne Aligoté - or a light red wine such as a Bourgogne Passetoutgrain.

Recommended food and wine pairings

For a complete experience, serve Époisses on a platter with fresh fruit (pear, grapes), dried fruit (walnuts, figs) and toasted country bread. In cooking, Époisses is excellent as a warm tartine, melted over potatoes or in a sauce to accompany a piece of Charolais beef. Enthusiasts also enjoy it in Époisses-gratinéed onion soup, a Burgundian twist on the great classic.

Château d’Époisses and the de Guitaut family

A medieval fortress (10th-13th century)

The Château d’Époisses overlooks the village from its limestone promontory. Tradition traces its origins back to the 6th century, when it would have been an old royal house; the first documented fortress was built in the 12th century by the de Montbard family. In the following centuries, the lordship passed through the hands of several great families - de Mello, de Hochberg, d’Orléans-Longueville - who strengthened the fortifications, before the castle was rebuilt and enlarged in the 13th century, giving it its medieval fortress silhouette.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the fortress was transformed into a pleasure dwelling: mullioned windows replaced arrow slits, interiors were modernised and a park was laid out. The 17th and 18th centuries saw the addition of classical wings and the creation of the formal French gardens visible today. The castle has been classified as a Historic Monument since 12 June 1992.

Today, the castle remains a privately owned inhabited property. It belongs to the de Guitaut family, who ensure its preservation. The interior, richly furnished, is not open to visitors, but the exteriors and gardens are accessible during the European Heritage Days (third weekend of September) and certain cultural events.

The gardens and park

The castle park extends over several hectares, with formal French gardens, a pond and lime-tree-lined avenues. The owners have undertaken a garden restoration programme that highlights the perspectives towards the Oze valley. The courtyard of honour with its 18th-century wrought-iron gate and the outbuildings in limestone complete this remarkable ensemble.

Saint-Symphorien Church and religious heritage

The Saint-Symphorien Church is the main religious building in Époisses. Its bell tower dominates the village and serves as a landmark in the Auxois landscape.

Époisses through its streets

Fromagerie Berthaut

It is impossible to talk about Époisses without mentioning Fromagerie Berthaut, one of the most renowned producers and affineurs in the village. This family business perpetuates an artisanal know-how passed down from generation to generation. Fromagerie Berthaut is located in the heart of the village, in typical Auxois limestone buildings.

The cheese dairy offers guided tours of its ageing cellar, where you can discover the vaulted caves in which the cheeses are washed with Marc de Bourgogne. Visitors can witness the manufacturing process and understand the steps that transform milk into this exceptional cheese. The tour ends with a tasting of various products: Époisses of course, but also other Burgundian cheeses aged on site.

It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, as the cheese dairy attracts visitors from all over France and abroad.

The market and the Cheese Route

The weekly market in Époisses is an opportunity to meet local producers and discover the gastronomic richness of the terroir. Cheeses, charcuterie, honey, snails, wines and seasonal fruits come together in a friendly atmosphere.

The village is also a stop on the Burgundy Cheese Route (Route des Fromages de Bourgogne), a tourist itinerary linking the main cheese-producing sites in the region. This route allows you to discover the different Burgundian cheese AOPs and the artisans who make them, with stops in Époisses, Cîteaux and Soumaintrain.

Around Époisses

Époisses is ideally located in the heart of the Burgundian Auxois, close to several major sites:

• Semur-en-Auxois (15 km): a classified medieval town, with its Notre-Dame collegiate church and pink granite ramparts.
• Fontenay Abbey (20 km): a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Château de Bussy-Rabutin (15 km): home of the famous 17th-century letter-writer, with its gardens and portrait gallery.
• Flavigny-sur-Ozerain (25 km): a perched medieval village, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, famous for its aniseed sweets.
• Saulieu (30 km): a gastronomic town and gateway to the Morvan Regional Nature Park.
• Alesia (15 km): archaeological site of the 52 BC battle between Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar, with the MuséoParc.
• Châteauneuf-en-Auxois (20 km): a perched village overlooking the Burgundy Canal, classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France.

Practical information

Access

Époisses is accessible by car via the A6 motorway (exit 23 Bierre-lès-Semur or exit 24 Pouilly-en-Auxois), then via the D954 and D117. The village is approximately 1h from Dijon (60 km) and 2h30 from Paris (230 km). Parking is available on the village square and around the castle.

By train, the TGV station in Montbard (Paris-Montbard line in 1h) is about 15 km from Époisses. Taxis are available to reach the village.

Best time to visit

Spring is ideal for visiting Époisses: the castle gardens are in bloom and the surrounding countryside is lush. Autumn is the season for aged cheeses and gourmet markets. In summer, the village is lively with passing visitors and restaurant terraces. In winter, the atmosphere is peaceful and conducive to tastings by the fireside.

Where to stay

The village has several rural gîtes and bed and breakfasts offering authentic accommodation in limestone stone buildings. For a wider choice, the towns of Semur-en-Auxois and Montbard offer charming hotels and gourmet restaurants.