Château de Crépan

Welcome to Château de Crépan

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Château de Crépan. Less than three hours from Paris by train or car and nestled in the heart of rural Burgundy, Crépan is a haven of simplicity and discreet luxury.

At the Château de Crépan, we offer a variety of accommodation. You can stay in rooms in our beautifully restored 19th-century Orangerie, where we live and will be present to assist you, or choose one of our two renovated stone cottages, which are available for separate hire. Alternatively, you can hire the entire estate, with the assurance that we will be on-site to help if needed. With the capacity to sleep up to twenty adult guests, Crépan is perfect for family holidays and reunions, retreats, professional seminars, special events, or simply a romantic weekend getaway.

Located within the newly established Parc National de Forêts, Crépan is set in a private park with fields, woods, a swimmable river, a pond and a millstream. Whether you rent the entire property, individual cottages, or single rooms, all guests can access our expansive grounds and amenities.

History

The Château de Crépan has a long and chequered history. Its origins trace back to the ‘Crispenni villa’, a Roman villa dating to the third century. The château itself was first documented in 1274, when the Bishop of Langres gifted it to Jean de Crépan and his wife Ermangarde. Over the centuries, the château has been home to a succession of French nobility, including the families of the Compte de Cossé-Brissac and the Prince de Clermont-Tonnerre, who passed away at Crépan in 1970.

In 1986, a devastating fire gutted the main castle. Ten years later, Dan Walker purchased the ruins and has, over the last three decades, lovingly restored the various buildings and grounds. He now lives and works in the Orangerie, bringing new life to this historic estate.

Our Philosophy

At the Château de Crépan, our aim is to share our beautiful sanctuary with guests who love nature, simplicity and authenticity. We offer the space to relax, reflect and rejuvenate, or do absolutely nothing at all. We call it our ‘Plan Be’.

At Château de Crépan, you will reconnect with nature, with yourself and with your family and friends.

Dan never throws anything away. You never know when you’ll need an ancient ventilation grill or a broken bannister, his commitment to repurposing and recycling is longstanding and dedicated! As much as possible, we have renovated using materials found on-site or sourced locally, collaborating with local artisans. Our gardens are 100% organic. Sustainability is central to our approach, ensuring we keep our environmental footprint to a minimum.

Activities

Whilst Crépan is the perfect place for doing nothing, there is plenty to keep you and your crew busy during your stay :

Natural river swimming
Jogging track around the property
Pétanque court (with boules)
Barbecue facilities
Badminton and football fields
River fishing (bring your own tackle)
Forest foraging and truffle hunting (seasonal)

Local activities include hiking and cycling, for which we can provide suggestions, and picnics. There is an excellent variety of restaurants around Crépan, and we would be delighted to make reservations on your behalf. We can organise visits and wine tastings at local producers. You can also visit local potters, discover the Maison de la Forêt at Leuglay, or the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais with its extraordinary Vase de Vix.

The Vegetable Garden

Upon request, we can offer meals, picnics and forest feasts. We take pride in serving meals made from the freshest ingredients. Our extensive vegetable garden provides a bounty of seasonal produce, while our friendly flock of chickens and ducks contribute fresh eggs daily.

In addition to our homegrown fruit and vegetables, we source a variety of local produce. Enjoy wines and crémant de Bourgogne from nearby vineyards, savour local cheeses, and relish the flavours of foraged treasures from the surrounding woods. Depending on the season, these include Burgundy truffles, mushrooms, wild asparagus and garlic.

Please contact us in advance if you’d like to know more.

Our Accommodation

At the Château de Crépan, we offer a variety of accommodation. You can stay in rooms in our beautifully restored 19th-century Orangerie, where we live and will be present to assist you, or choose one of our two renovated stone cottages, which are available for separate hire. Alternatively, you can hire the entire estate, with the assurance that we will be on-site to help if needed. With the capacity to sleep up to twenty adult guests, Crépan is perfect for family holidays and reunions, retreats, professional seminars, special events, or simply a romantic weekend getaway.

The Orangerie

Lovingly restored, the Orangerie was once the ballroom of the old castle. This magnificent space retains its superb volumes filled with natural light, original flagstone floors, and an air of rustic grandeur. Now Dan's home and studio, the Orangerie, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern comfort. The Orangerie also houses a spacious reception room that is perfect for meals, meetings, and other activities.

Chambre Chèvrefeuille: This spacious room features a luxurious Queen bed (160cm) and an elegant ensuite bathroom complete with a bath, basin, and WC.

Chambre Chêne: This large room offers a comfortable Queen bed (160cm) and a contemporary ensuite bathroom with a shower, basin, and WC.

Chambre Charme: A grand room boasting a King bed (180cm) and a stylish ensuite bathroom with a shower, basin, and WC.

Chambre Châtaignier: A cosy room with a standard double bed (120cm) which is attached to the Chambre Chêne and is perfect for additional guests or children.

The Millstream Cottage

The Millstream Cottage is situated along the serene old millstream. Inside, you'll find a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious living and dining area, complete with a wood-burning stove, which can host large gatherings and dinners for up to 16 guests. The cottage also has a large private terrace for outdoor entertaining. The Millstream Cottage can accommodate up to eight guests in its three well-appointed bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom.

Chambre Ource: This bedroom features a Queen bed (160cm) or two comfortable singles (80cm), along with an ensuite bathroom.

Chambre Seine: This bedroom offers a Queen bed (160cm) or two singles (80cm), with the option to add an extra double bed. It also has an en-suite bathroom.

Chambre Douix: This bedroom features a Queen bed (160cm) or two comfortable singles (80cm), along with an ensuite bathroom.

The Gardener’s Cottage

Situated beside the tranquil millstream, the Gardener’s Cottage offers a picturesque retreat with a charming terrace perfect for outdoor entertaining. Inside, you'll find a fully equipped kitchen and cosy living area with a wood-burning stove. The cottage comfortably sleeps five guests, with two double bedrooms and a small single bedroom. Guests share a bathroom with a shower, basin, and a separate WC.

Chambre Prusly: A large and light-filled bedroom with a comfortable Queen bed (160cm).

Chambre Brion: A spacious bedroom with a Queen bed (160cm) and a sofa.

Chambre Villotte: A single bedroom (off Chambre Prusly) with a single bed (90cm), ideal for a child or an additional guest.

Regional Attractions

Burgundy is world famous for its vineyards and exquisite wines, lesser known for its picturesque landscape dotted with charming villages, historic châteaux and wild forests. Visitors to the region can indulge in gourmet cuisine, explore the rich cultural heritage, go for a hike or enjoy scenic cycling routes through the rolling hills. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a serene escape, the Côte d'Or in Burgundy is a fabulous place to visit, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and cultural treasures.

Abbaye de Fontenay

Explore the historic Abbaye de Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. This former Cistercian abbey is one of the oldest and most complete in Europe, showcasing stunning Romanesque architecture. Visitors can tour the abbey church, dormitory, cloister, chapter house, and forge, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens. The serene and spiritual atmosphere makes it a perfect day trip for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Château de Bussy-Rabutin

The Château de Bussy-Rabutin is renowned for its stunning Renaissance galleries, beautiful parks, and gardens. One of its most notable features is the unique interior decoration created by Roger de Rabutin, Count of Bussy, who was exiled there in the 17th century. The château's rich history, architectural beauty, and serene surroundings make it a fascinating destination for visitors.

Dijon

The capital of Burgundy is a one-hour drive from Crépan and offers a rich blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Wander through the charming old town with its medieval and Renaissance architecture, visit the impressive Ducal Palace and the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and explore the vibrant Les Halles Market. Don't miss the chance to sample Dijon’s famous mustard and local culinary delights or take a wine tour to nearby vineyards. Dijon is a perfect day trip destination for an authentic French experience.

Semur-en-Auxois

Semur-en-Auxois is a charming medieval town perched on a pink granite bluff above the Armançon River. Known for its well-preserved historical architecture, the town features the impressive Church of Notre-Dame, cobbled streets, and ancient houses. The four stout round towers of its 13th-century castle and the picturesque Pont Joly bridge offer stunning views of the town and river valley. There are a variety of excellent restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.

Beaune

Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, is home to some of the most prestigious wine cellars in the world, which offer exceptional wine tasting experiences and provide a deep dive into the rich history and culture of Burgundy's winemaking heritage:

Patriarche Cellars: These are the largest wine cellars in Burgundy, with 5 kilometres of vaulted galleries dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can explore this labyrinth and enjoy a sensory journey through the land of Grands Crus
Maison Champy: Known as Burgundy’s oldest wine house, Maison Champy was founded in 1720. The cellars, dating back to the 15th century, offer an immersive historical experience, including a tour of the winery designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Maison Bouchard Père et Fils: Established in 1731, this wine house is located in the Château de Beaune. The underground galleries of this former 15th-century royal fortress are ideal for preserving their prestigious Grands Crus and Premiers Crus appellations.

Our Team

Dan

Dan was a Paris-based lawyer specialising in the film and television business before moving into film production. In 2018, he left Paris to move permanently to Crepán, which he had bought in a moment of inspired madness in 1997. He now spends his time creating art, managing the estate, caring for his dogs, ducks, chickens, vegetable garden, and the forest.

Hat

Harriet moved to France from Australia in the early 1990s and has since built a distinguished career in Paris, working in the arts and international relations sectors.

Hat divides her time between Crépan and Paris. She loves gardening, is a great cook and a warm and generous host.

Theo

From birth, Theo learnt to cultivate, forage, and cook at Crépan, which inspired him to pursue studies at the prestigious Ferrandi Cooking School in Paris, where he trained as a professional chef. He furthered his education at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Bra, Italy, specialising in slow food and circular food production. Theo is deeply passionate about sustainable cooking, integrating eco-friendly practices into his culinary creations.

As our head chef and garden consultant, Theo can provide exquisite banquets or intimate dinners for guests upon request. While he still adores cooking, Theo is also embarking on a career in the film and television industry. In addition to his culinary expertise, he is highly skilled with a chainsaw, making him an invaluable member of the Crépan team.

Oskar

Oskar has known Crépan his entire life; it is in his blood. He learned to handle a chainsaw at an impressively young age and to drive a tractor when most kids were learning to ride a bike. His studies in economics and law in Madrid provided an excellent foundation for his burgeoning career in film and television, complemented by his fluency in multiple languages. Oskar is a trusted advisor and a skilled groundsman, adept at removing trees, splitting wood, or roofing a barn. He also leads on Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) issues, ensuring the well-being of everyone at Crépan.

Polly and Vesper

Polly is the diligent guardian of Crépan, expertly managing the grounds and, in season, hunting truffles with Dan. Her daughter. Vesper is a delightful and enthusiastic companion on every Crépan adventure.

The Basse Cour

Our Indian Running ducks play a crucial role in curtailing the Crépan slug population and provide extraordinarily good eggs. The chickens, ever vigilant, keep the ducks on their webs and lay eggs with remarkable reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can book the entire property, one or both of the cottages, or simply a room in the Orangerie. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
We offer a delicious breakfast with eggs from our chickens and ducks, homemade jams, and fresh pastries and bread. We can also arrange dinners or picnics on request, using seasonal produce from our vegetable garden and locally sourced ingredients. All meals should be ordered at least three days in advance. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Every season at Crépan is wonderful. In summer, enjoy wild swimming and lazy afternoons by the river. Autumn is perfect for truffle hunting with Polly, our truffle dog, or rambling through the forest. Winter invites you to curl up with a book by the fire, while spring is ideal for foraging and gathering wildflowers. Any time of year is perfect for a game of pétanque.
Crépan is a three-hour drive from Paris or a one-hour drive from Dijon. We are a 35-minute drive from Montbard, which is one hour on the TGV from Paris. To fully enjoy the region, we recommend that guests drive. Parking is provided on the property. For larger groups, we can organize transport from Montbard station. Please contact us for details and prices.
While our properties are available on Airbnb, you are welcome to contact us directly. We are happy to propose prices based on the number of guests, as well as the length of your stay.
Children are warmly welcomed at Crépan. We can provide additional children's beds and bassinets. Please contact us for details and prices. Please contact us in advance if you wish to bring your well behaved pet, as we need to keep our resident animals safe and happy.
To make the most of what Crépan has to offer, we encourage guests to switch off entirely in our zero G environment. If required, we can provide wi-fi access in the Orangerie.
Yes, the region offers numerous attractions, including historical sites such as the Abbaye de Fontenay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), vineyards, artisans and scenic hiking trails. We are happy to provide recommendations and help you plan your excursions.
Yes, the main room in the Orangerie is perfect for meetings or workshops and can be configured to meet your needs. Crépan is the ideal place for team pull-outs and blue sky thinking.