Beaune is located in the Côte-d’Or wine region of Burgundy. The area around Beaune is believed to have produced wine since 300 AD. The Catholic Church took over winemaking in the Middle Ages, discovering that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flourished in the varied microclimates of Burgundy. But the situation has changed and today you will find wineries and hotels in restored monasteries.
The city of Beaune is a good hub from which to explore the Burgundy region. The city can be accessed from the A6 motorway from Paris to the north or from Lyon to the south. Beaune is 40 km south of Dijon airport.
Things to do in Beaune
- Hospice de Beaune – A system of charitable hospitals, the first called Hôtel-Dieu, was born on August 4, 1443 after the Hundred Years War ended. While the “écorcheurs” still ransacked the countryside, most of the people of Beaune were poor. Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy, Philippe le Bon, and his wife Guigone de Salins reacted by deciding to create a hospital for the poor. You can see this history in the details of the building: on the outside, the Hôtel-Dieu is decidedly understated, reflecting its bleak mission and making the complex less attractive to thieves. But once inside, the colorful tile roof reflects the remarkably generous wealth of the ruling class. The Hôtel-Dieu is now a museum that makes a fascinating visit. [photos below]
- Notre Dame Basilica Church : work on the church began in the 12th century
- Musee de la Vigne et du Vin (Burgundy Wine Museum) – Housed in a former residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, you can see wine-making tools and machines, as well as get a taste of the history of the region.
- Burgundy tasting cellars , many in the historic center of Beaune.
Wine tasting tip
Wine writer Simon Firth recommends avoiding the pressure of buying expensive bottles of wine by paying for the tasting at a merchant representing multiple wineries. Recommend Le Marché aux Vins in the city of Beaune. Burgundy wines are not cheap.
Restaurants and cuisine
Restaurants in Beaune range from the cheapest (mussels and chips) to the most expensive. For those who like innovative cuisine, try L´Ecusson , just outside the city. Marrow bones stuffed with snails in a wine reduction with the crunch of gros sel . MMM
Open-air market
Beaune’s outdoor market day is Saturday. The area around the market is good for a cheap meal.
Break into the Burgundy canal
Another interesting way to visit this region is to rent a barge on » Le Canal de Bourgogne » or the Burgundy Canal. The canal connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean through the Yonne and Seine rivers with the Saone and Rhone rivers. Construction began in 1727 and was completed in 1832.
Where to stay
There are many hotels in the city. Also consider staying on the outskirts of the highly rated Adelie hotel, especially if you are more interested in walking through the vineyards than exploring the historic city center (or if you are driving to Beaune).
If you make Beaune your base for exploring the region, a vacation rental like this highly rated city center apartment could be perfect.
