19th-century Emir Bechir palace and a historic Ottoman-era village in the northern Chouf.
Beiteddine Palace is a large early 19th-century residence built by Emir Bechir Shehab II in the Chouf mountains about 45 km southeast of Beirut, with stone courtyards, arched halls, a museum and Byzantine mosaics, and it hosts the Beiteddine Art Festival each summer. The nearby village of Deir el-Qamar, once the capital of the Lebanese emirs, has a stone-paved square, old mosques and churches and cafes. Day trips from Beirut take about 1 to 1.5 hours each way. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the part of Mount Lebanon south of a road from Wadi el-Zayni through Maaser el-Chouf, which covers the southern Chouf; Beiteddine and Deir el-Qamar lie north of that line, but the margin is narrow, so visitors should not travel further south, and should recheck advice on the morning of the trip. No official 2026 ticket price or opening hours were found, so visitors should confirm directly with the site. In an emergency dial 112 or 140.
| Distance | About 45 km southeast of Beirut |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 to 1.5 hours each way |
| Getting there | Taxi or hired car with driver; bus from Cola station toward Deir el-Qamar then a short taxi |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Beiteddine Palace, Beiteddine, Chouf, Lebanon |
How to get there
- Mode
- Hired car with driver
- Cost
- About USD 60-100 for the day (estimate)
- Frequency
- On demand
- Mode
- Day-tour package
- Cost
- From about USD 85 to 99 per adult depending on inclusions
- Frequency
- Daily on request
Location
Beiteddine Palace, Beiteddine, Chouf, Lebanon
33.6944, 35.5819 View on map
Highlights
- Beiteddine Palace, 19th-century Emir Bechir palace
- Deir el-Qamar old stone village
- Beiteddine Art Festival in summer
- Mosaics from the Byzantine period displayed in the palace
Tips for visiting
- Recheck government advice on the morning of the trip.
- Do not continue south of Maaser el-Chouf.
- Confirm opening days; they change during the festival.
- Take a hat and walking shoes for the cobbled lanes.
- Carry USD cash for the ticket.
When to visit
Spring and autumn mornings.
Accessibility
Courtyards and halls have steps; Deir el-Qamar has steep cobbled lanes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the southern Chouf open to visitors?
No, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel south of the Wadi el-Zayni to Maaser el-Chouf line.
How long is the trip?
About 1 to 1.5 hours each way plus half a day on site.
Is there a ticket price?
No verified 2026 price was found; confirm at the gate.
Are tours available?
Yes, small-group tours from about USD 85 are listed on tour platforms.