Summary
In the capital of Burgundy’s region, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of wine.
While not literally submerging, this charming country town is surrounded by illustrious names in the wine industry, such as Santenay and Pommard. Here, you have the opportunity to indulge in tastings of grand crus and explore renowned vineyards over several days.
Burgundy is also celebrated for its exceptional cuisine, ensuring a delightful and indulgent getaway, complemented by scenic walking or cycling in the picturesque Côte by the vines.
Let us explore the best activities in Beaune:
1. Old Beaune
The ramparts of Beaune extend over 2.5 kilometres, featuring towers and bastions best observed at the Château de Beaune. While it is not always possible to view every stone of the walls, as they have been incorporated into private homes and shops, a pleasant hour or two can be spent following their path.
The last remaining gate is the Porte Saint-Nicolas, marking the historical northern entrance of the town.
The most exquisite section is located on Rue de Rempart des Lions, where a 17th-century balustrade and stairway ascend to a beautiful arboretum featuring an osage orange tree and Chinese ginkgo biloba.
2. Hôtel-Dieu
A late-medieval architectural marvel, the Hôtel-Dieu is an almshouse and hospice founded in 1443 by Duke of Burgundy Nicolas Rolin.
The structure is arranged around a courtyard, featuring a lower floor with columns that support a stunning gallery encircling the first floor.
The roof, adorned with gabled dormers, showcases spectacular glazed tile patterns typical of the Burgundy region.
Furthermore, be sure to view the Beaune Altarpiece by Rogier van der Weyden, a polyptych comprising 15 paintings commissioned for the almshouse, completed in 1450. Each third Sunday in November, the charity wine auction is held here, attended by notable vintners from the region, while the accompanying festival presents an enjoyable weekend of tastings.
3. Wine Region
Beaune serves as the capital of the Burgundy wine region, where enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the myriad vineyards surrounding the town: Meursault, Pommard, Santenay, La Romanée-Conti, Corton-Charlemagne, and many more.
You will find yourself at the heart of a prestigious section of grand cru-producing vineyards extending from Santenay to Dijon, where nearly every hillside holds significant importance for wine lovers.
Consequently, make it a point to explore as many esteemed appellations as possible, venture into wine cellars and wineries, savor some of the finest wines in the world, meet the artisans behind these creations, and revel in the lush countryside and unique ambiance of this wine paradise.
4. Local Wine Experiences
You need not venture far from Beaune to kickstart your exploration.
Directly across from the Hôtel-Dieu is the Marché aux Vins, an excellent introduction to Burgundy, which offers tasting sessions encompassing a wide array of the region’s wines, including several grands crus—albeit at an additional cost.
Also situated within Beaune, just a short distance from the town hall, is the wine merchant and producer Patriarche Père et Fils.
Visitors are guided down into the largest cellar in Burgundy, featuring five kilometres of man-made tunnels, where they will have the opportunity to taste 13 different wines, accompanied by a souvenir metallic cup to take home.
If a specific wine piques your interest, simply signal, and it can be purchased at the conclusion of your tasting.
5. Château de Savigny
While preparing for a visit to this château, one might expect parterres and tapestries, however, the Château de Savigny presents a unique collection of treasures.
The estate features a fleet of 80 fighter jets, including MiGs and Dassaults, along with 300 vintage motorcycles and 35 Abarth sports cars.
Ascend upstairs to discover thousands of model aircraft, bikes, and cars displayed in cabinets.
Moreover, exhibitions dedicated to viticulture showcase straddle tractors, wine presses, and antique manual tools.
This is due to the fact that Château de Savigny lies within the Côte de Beaune wine-growing region and offers bottles for sale on site.
6. Dalineum
Art collector and editor Jean Amiot devoted 25 years to acquiring an impressive collection of over 1,000 works by the 20th-century surrealist Salvador Dalí.
In 2011, he established this collection in a grand 18th-century mansion adjacent to the clock tower on Place Monge for public admiration.
Approximately 150 pieces from this extensive collection can be displayed at a time, including drawings, prints, watercolors, gouaches, furniture, or photographs.
One of the most distinctive exhibits features a complete table service (cutlery, glasses, and crockery) designed by Dalí, along with a reproduction of the iconic Mae West Lips Sofa.
7. Château de la Rochepot
If the exquisite tiles on the roof of the Hôtel-Dieu captivated you, then you will be equally impressed by the Château de la Rochepot, where the patterns are even more intricate.
This castle exudes a cinematic atmosphere, as it was originally constructed in the 13th century and served as the residence of the Lords Pot, who were closely associated with the Dukes of Burgundy.
However, similar to many castles in the region, it endured substantial decline during the 18th and 19th centuries until a reconstruction was undertaken using historical plans and archaeological knowledge, resulting in a romantic tribute to the Middle Ages.
Impressive remnants of the past still remain, such as the 70-meter-deep well carved from the bedrock.
8. Véloroute
Rent a bicycle and traverse the route from Beaune to Santenay while enjoying a scenic ride over the rolling hills along trails utilized by grape pickers for centuries.
There is something remarkably satisfying about the structured alignment of the vines, meticulously arranged in neat rows on the hillsides.
Moreover, there are several diversions along the way, from Romanesque chapels to picturesque villages like Volnay, each bursting with a rich wine heritage.
The adventure need not conclude in Santenay, as the 18th-century Canal du Centre flows nearby, offering over 100 kilometers of farmland and forest to explore along its towpaths.
9. Basilique Notre-Dame
Burgundy is celebrated for its Romanesque architectural marvels, and Beaune showcases one at the Basilique Notre-Dame.
The majority of this church dates back to the 12th century, with the exception of the chevet and western portal.
A statue of the Virgin Mary cradling Jesus, originating from the 1100s, is prominently displayed in the choir from the church’s early days.
Even more awe-inspiring are the 15th-century tapestries that depict the life of Mary and the birth of Jesus, located behind the choir stalls.
For further artistic wonders, the chapel of Saint-Léger features magnificent murals created in 1530.
10. Parc de la Bouzaize
A short stroll from the ramparts, adjacent to a vineyard, lies a tranquil park ideal for a leisurely walk or picnic.
Although Beaune may not be a typical family vacation destination, if traveling with children, consider bringing them to the petting zoo, where they can interact with alpacas, goats, and pigs.
The park’s pond is not merely an ordinary water feature, as it is actually the source of the Bouzaize River, which meanders for 20 kilometers before merging into the Dheune, eventually flowing into the famed Saône.
11. Burgundy Cuisine
There are ten Michelin-starred restaurants in the Beaune vicinity, with the pinnacle being the three-starred Maison Lameloise in Chagny, frequently hailed as among the best in France, and indeed, the world.
However, it is not necessary to venture that far to savor Burgundy’s renowned gastronomy.
Beef Bourguignon, a braised beef and red wine stew, is a specialty at most restaurants, alongside coq au vin, another dish regarded as quintessentially French.
For those with a sweet tooth, Pain d’Épices, a gingerbread infused with clove, cinnamon, and anise, is a delectable treat.
Moreover, let us not overlook Dijon-style mustard, produced locally at the Fallot “moutarderie.”
12. Cirque du Bout du Monde
The name “Cirque at the End of the World” may initially appear exaggerated until one arrives at this breathtaking steephead valley located 20 kilometers west of Beaune.
After parking, visitors can embark on a trail immersed in a hardwood forest, which leads to an arena of limestone cliffs blocking the path.
These cliffs rise over 500 meters and serve as a habitat for peregrine falcons and white-bellied swifts.
Each season offers a unique perspective on this stunning landscape: during winter, a delicate waterfall flows against the rocks, while a river runs through the valley.
In warmer months, the river recedes, allowing access to caves otherwise concealed beneath the water.
13. Specialty Shops
In a town that has cultivated its reputation on Epicureanism, wine caves are complemented by purveyors of high-quality food and beverages.
On Place Carnot, the Alain Hess fromagerie hosts over 200 varieties of cheese in its cellars, including renowned options such as l’Epoisses, Chaorce, and Soumaintrain.
This shop also produces its own creation, Le Délice de Pommard, made with triple cream and local crushed mustard seeds.
Finally, after wine, the blackcurrant liqueur Crème de Cassis stands as another pride of Burgundy, which can be acquired from the elegant Vedrenne shop on Rue Carnot.
14. Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
One of the few remaining historical sites in Burgundy from the Hundred Years’ War, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is a charming village perched above the valley of the Canal de Bourgogne.
The village’s château commands the landscape from its natural vantage point 500 meters above.
From the D18 or the banks of the canal, the fairy-tale towers and their conical roofs can be viewed from several kilometers away.
During the 15th century, the castle belonged to Philippe le Bon, a prominent figure and right-hand man of the Duke of Burgundy, elevating the village’s status, which subsequently attracted courtiers and merchants. This historical significance is reflected in the impressive houses along Grand Rue, complete with arcades and their own towers.
15. Dijon
During the medieval era, as the Dukes of Burgundy ruled from Dijon, the city emerged as potentially the most influential in France.
Dijon evolved into a hub of culture and science, with remnants of its former glory visible throughout the city.
Embark on the Parcours de la Chouette (Owl’s Trail), where the most fascinating sights in the historic quarter are marked by a cheerful owl motif.
The challenge lies in staying on course, as the city’s boutiques, cafes, and captivating museums are bound to entice you off the path! Admire the Ducal Palace, the former residence of the Dukes, and marvel at the magnificent Renaissance mansions lining Rue des Forges.
