Known as the wine capital of Burgundy (Bourgogne, to the locals), Beaune is a can’t-miss for wine enthusiasts around the world. In about two hours by train from Paris, visitors can enter this medieval city along the Route des Grands Crus. Beaune is also a popular spot for cyclists, canal barge cruisers and road trippers. Here's what to do, where to stay, and how to eat in one of France’s most picturesque and welcoming spots.
Hospices de Beaune - Hôtel Dieu
Hospices de Beaune — Photo courtesy of Beaune Tourisme ®F. Vauban
One can’t visit Burgundy without checking out the Hospices de Beaune, also known as Hôtel Dieu. With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, the building boasts a stunning polychrome tile roof and Gothic architecture that begs to be photographed. The hospital’s heritage is tied to the world's oldest wine auction, during which barrels from its prestigious vineyards are auctioned to benefit local health causes as they have been for generations.
Get into Burgundy wine history
Memorabilia from Beaune's wine history — Photo courtesy of Jill Barth
Located in a fascinating historical building, the wine museum is testament to men and women who tended the vineyards of Burgundy (called climats, locally) which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Maison des Climats is an interactive exhibit designed to help visitors understand how these legendary vineyards were designated and named, thanks to their terroir and history.
A new museum called Cité des Climats & Vins de Bourgogne is slated to open in late 2022 through early 2023 to help visitors deeply understand the winegrowing culture of the region.
Explore the ramparts
A watchtower of the Beaune ramparts — Photo courtesy of Beaune Tourism ©F.Vauban
Dating back to the 12th century, the bastions, walls and towers that encircle the old quarter of Beaune were crafted over centuries to protect the town, and they still ensconce some of the area's most meaningful sites. Now visitors can follow the Friends of the Ramparts self-guided tour or book a free tour during summer months with a local guide.
Make it a stop
A canal cruise with European Waterways takes guests to Beaune — Photo courtesy of Jill Barth
It's said that 60 million vehicles pass through Beaune and its surrounds as they move through Europe. But some of the most fascinating ways to see this town are via much slower means. Cyclists love to experience the Route des Grands Crus on two wheels, and organizers such as DuVine have exquisite tours of the region. Though not located directly on the Canal de Bourgogne, elegant barge cruises, such as European Waterways, always include a stop in can’t-miss Beaune.
Eat well
Bar du Square in Beaune, France — Photo courtesy of Jill Barth
Some of France’s most interesting dining and snacking opportunities are in Beaune. There are more than 70 restaurants in and around town, and locals and frequent visitors love spots like intimate le P’tit Paradis, winemaker-frequented Bar du Square, Michelin-starred Clos du Cèdre or wine-lover's favorite La Dilettante. With plenty of places to choose from, book lunch and dinner meals to optimize your dining time while in Beaune.
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Try local products
Moutarderie Fallot, mustard made in Beaune — Photo courtesy of Beaune Tourisme ®Fallot
The festive and full market is held on Saturdays in Beaune, bursting with items from Burgundy purveyors – find the action between Place Carnot and the Place de La Halle. And speaking of les halles, this renovated covered market is an excellent place to gather charcuterie treats for a picnic. Beaune is also the birthplace of Fallot Mustard, Fromagerie Alain Hess and Marie Simon Patisserie.
Visit a historic wine cellar
Approaching Joseph Drouhin in Beaune's old quarter — Photo courtesy of Jill Barth
While seeing the climats, or vineyards of Burgundy, is an outstanding experience, in-town Beaune is also rich with tasty historical relevance. Many of France’s most predominant growers are also négociants – wine merchants who purchase grapes to make wine – that have long been tied to Beaune.
Visitors can walk through the heritage cellars underneath town with a tour and tasting at Joseph Drouhin, make a reservation with Bouchard Père & Fils to take a private tour of the cellars of the Château de Beaune or spend time learning from a stop at Maison Albert Bichot.
Book a luxurious night
The bar at Najeti Hôtel de la Poste — Photo courtesy of Jill Barth
Don’t just drive through Beaune without dreaming overnight at one of its fine hotels. There’s historic Hôtel le Cep with Spa Marie de Bourgogne, centrally located L’Hôtel de Beaune and convenient Najeti Hôtel de la Poste. For a touch of nearby country charm, Hostellerie de Levernois boasts an exceptional Michelin-starred restaurant and Hôtel le Clos waits in the quiet hamlet of Montagny-lès-Beaune.
Book a local wine guide
Wine Ambassadeur leads worthwhile wine tours around Beaune — Photo courtesy of Jill Barth
If winery visits are what you're after, a local guide and driver can be immensely helpful. American-born Stevie Bobes – the Wine Ambassadeur – helps visitors to hit the highlights in Beaune and the varied wine countryside of the Côte-d'Or in a single day or multi-day experience. Remember that drinking and driving is strictly forbidden in France, so hiring someone like Bobes not only gives an insider learning opportunity, but also a safe way to enjoy time out and about.
Attend a milestone event
Sale of Beaune wines — Photo courtesy of Beaune Tourisme ®Hendrick Monnier
The Hospices de Beaune wine auction – held in November – has been one of Beaune’s most important events for generations. The whole town gets festive during the days leading up to the auction. During the third weekend in January, the patron saint of wine, Saint Vincent, is ceremoniously brought to the village that will play host to the saint for the next year. Of course, Beaune is in rotation, and the celebration extends throughout the region.