The town of Beaune is an absolute delight. You can enjoy the best of Beaune without trying very hard. And certainly without spending a lot of money. Look. Walk. Taste. Visit. It’s that easy.

Look at the best of Beaune

We wouldn’t usually recommend visiting a town to look at its rooftops, but Beaune is certainly an exception. As soon as you arrive you’ll be blown away by the superbly patterned tiled roofs that are characteristic of Burgundy. The distinctive tessellated patterns are made with highly coloured, glazed tiles that are durable and decorative.

Walk

Beaune is perfect for walking. Around every corner you’ll find something interesting.

As you wander the narrow streets and laneways, you’ll find specialist shops that sell almost everything. There’s clothing and accessories, cheese, bread and, especially, wine, which you will quickly discover is the heart and soul of the town.

The Market Hall is in the town square. The covered market is open each day, and the colourful outdoor market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Just off the square you will find Atheneum, a delightful store that sells maps, books, souvenirs and anything and everything to do with wine—board games, tastevins, corkscrews, glasses and plenty more.

Nearby you might see a temporary art exhibition in the former Carmelite Convent, built in the early 17th century and visited by Louis XlV in 1658.

For something a little different, you can follow the remains of the ancient walls that once ringed the town (les Remparts de Beaune) and the four remaining towers.

Pick up a walking map or upload one to your phone and discover the best of Beaune for yourself.

Taste the best of Beaune

Beaune is in Burgundy and that means wine.

Many of Burgundy’s fine wine houses are represented in the centre of the town. Underground cellars offer a range of tastings, and the opportunity to sample wines from the world’s greatest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producers is definitely one you should not miss.

In the early 17th century, in Clos St Bernardin, grapes for sacramental wine were already growing in the garden you can see as you walk down rue Hôtel-Dieu. A plaque marks the spot. Inside you can take a tour and taste the wines. Recommended.

There’s also a wide range of restaurants and cafes, where you can sample some of the gastronomic delights of the town and the region. Although nearby Dijon is renowned as the mustard capital of the world, Beaune is the home of La Moutarderie Fallot, the last independent family mustard mill in Burgundy. Again, there is a chance to tour and to taste.

Visit these places

The Hospices de Beaune

L’Hôtel Dieu was opened in the mid 15th century as a hospital for the poor who needed medical care. The Hundred Years War and the plague had severely affected Beaune, and much of its population was destitute. Founders Nicolas Rolin, who served King Phillip the Good as Chancellor for forty years, and his wife, Guigone de Salins, responded by ensuring the Hospices de Beaune was established. It housed the poor and the sick for over 500 years.

Today the buildings are used as a museum that is a magnificent reflection on life as it was at that time. The courtyard alone is spectacular and offers the best view of the Hospices‘ magnificent tiled roof.

Find out how to visit.

Burgundy’s Wine Museum

The Musée du Vin de Bourgogne is situated in the beautiful and prestigious former residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. You’ll find out about the history of wine growing in Burgundy, the implements and the main varieties of wine. It’s a superbly presented collection.

The Fine Arts Museum

The Fine Arts collection is in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Beaune, in a beautiful building, Porte Marie de Bourgogne. It features the works of local artists, Dutch and Flemish painters among its many examples of art and architecture.

After all that, if you need a moment of quiet reflection, Beaune’s Cathedral (Collégiale Notre-Dame) is right in the centre of the town.

If you can’t have fun in Beaune, I doubt you’d have fun anywhere.

Hints

• When you purchase entry to the Hospices de Beaune, buy the slightly more expensive combination ticket that will also entitle you to visit the splendid Musée du Vin de Bourgogne and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Beaune
• The centre of Beaune is not the easiest place for driving or parking. Take advantage of the free parking spaces on the town’s periphery; it’s only a short walk to the town square, the centre of all the action.

Information

LOCATION: Burgundy – Cote d’Or
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: 312 km (194 miles) to the SE
POPULATION: 21,000+
NEAREST AIRPORT: Dole (45 km) Geneva (132 km)
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Gare de Beaune (TGV)
TOURIST INFORMATION: 1 Rue de l’Hôtel Dieu
MARKETS: Wednesday and Saturday mornings.