What to do in Burgundy? Wondering about the best things to do in Beaune? Beaune, tucked away in France’s captivating Burgundy (Bourgogne) region, is where history, world-class wines, and culinary wonders converge. Its medieval architectural treasures, iconic vineyards, and bustling cultural scenes make it an essential stop for both newcomers and seasoned travelers. Dive into our guide detailing 15 things to do in Beaune, ensuring you capture its essence.
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Dive into Beaune’s essence with this immersive digital guide, tailor-made for travelers, food lovers, and wine students. Featuring hand-captured photographs, 75+ clickable links, and a blend of practical information with cultural insights. Perfect for first-time visitors eager to explore Beaune’s wines, culture, and hidden gems. Experience Beaune like never before.
And if you’re seeking an experience tailored just for you, I offer personalized and custom itineraries based on your preferences. Yes, that includes wine recommendations too! Dive deep into this stunning region with a personalized touch.
Keep reading to explore “things to do in Beaune”…
Exploring the Cultural Heritage: Top Historical Sites in Beaune
Visit the Hospices de Beaune: This beautifully preserved medieval hospital, founded in 1443, presents visitors with an extraordinary dive into the past. The Hospices’ iconic multi-colored, geometric-patterned roof tiles have become emblematic of Beaune, offering a stunning backdrop for photos. Inside, you’ll find a wealth of artifacts and detailed exhibits that paint a picture of historical healthcare and life in the Middle Ages. But the Hospices de Beaune isn’t just a historical monument; it’s also deeply connected to the wine world. It owns prestigious vineyards throughout Bourgogne and the grapes from these lands are turned into highly sought-after wines. Each November, these wines are sold at a famous charity auction, a tradition dating back centuries.
Discover Clos-de-Vougeot: Renowned as the largest Grand Cru vineyard site in the region, Clos Vougeot embodies Beaune’s rich wine history and the diversity of Burgundy’s terroir. The vineyard, founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, spans nearly 50 hectares, hosting a variety of soil compositions and expositions that provide a valuable education in terroir diversity, even within one single plot. Visitors can walk amidst the ancient vines, absorb the magnificence of the grand chateau – originally a wine press for the monks – and immerse themselves in the region’s venerable winemaking traditions.
Stroll Through Beaune’s Historic Center: Taking a walk through the cobblestone streets of Beaune’s historic center is like stepping into a living history book. Notable landmarks such as the 12th-century Gothic-style Cathédrale de Notre Dame stand as a testament to Beaune’s rich architectural heritage. Walking along the city’s preserved ramparts gives a sense of timelessness, with QR codes offering historical narratives in English for international visitors. As the day concludes, the city adopts a magical hue, with sunset walks often likened to moving through a historical movie set, a testament to the city’s enchanting character.
Visit the Musée du Vin de Bourgogne:
A trip to Beaune would be incomplete without delving into the depths of Burgundy’s viticultural history at the Musée du Vin de Bourgogne. Housed in the former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, the museum presents a comprehensive depiction of the region’s wine-making process from antiquity to modern times. Marvel at the ancient grape presses, understand the influence of the monastic orders, and appreciate the evolution of viticultural tools over time.
Witness The Cross of Romanée-Conti:
The Cross of Romanée-Conti is an essential stop for any wine enthusiast. This distinguished landmark signifies one of the world’s most prestigious vineyards, renowned for producing some of the most expensive red wines from Pinot Noir.
Visit Surrounding Abbeys:
Bourgogne’s abbeys, including the Abbey of Fontenay and Cîteaux Abbey, offer more than just architectural splendor – they are time capsules preserving centuries of regional heritage. The Abbey of Fontenay, established in the 12th century, is the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey in the world. Its monks played a pivotal role in the region’s viticulture, contributing significantly to what Bourgogne’s wine industry is today. In contrast, Cîteaux Abbey remains a living testament to monastic life, with monks who still adhere to centuries-old practices, including the making of the distinctive Cîteaux cheese.
Savoring Beaune: Experiences for the Gastronomy
Experience Bourgogne Cheese:
Bourgogne is as famous for its exceptional cheeses as it is for its wines. Why not explore both? Schedule a unique cheese and wine pairing session with Hannah from Maison Shaps in Meursault and learn how to perfectly complement regional wines with local cheeses. Add a visit to Hess, a famed cheese shop in the heart of Beaune at Place Carnot, to discover an impressive selection of regional cheese.
Embark on a Dijon Day Trip:
A short train ride from Beaune takes you to the vibrant city of Dijon in just 19 minutes. Explore the Cité de la Gastronomie, an immersive museum dedicated to the region’s culinary heritage and the art of the “Gastronomic meal of the French”. It’s a unique opportunity to dive into Burgundy’s UNESCO-listed terroirs and rich wine culture.
Dine Locally:
Beaune is a hotspot for food enthusiasts. The city’s top-notch restaurants serve traditional French cuisine, offering the chance to sample dishes that have made the region’s gastronomy renowned worldwide. While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to discover wines from local producers who may not be as famous but create equally remarkable wines. Here is my master list of recommendations.
Join a Cooking Class:
Interested in more than just tasting Beaune’s culinary delights? Sign up for a cooking class and learn the secrets of traditional French cooking. Using ingredients sourced from the local area, it’s a hands-on way to appreciate Beaune’s gastronomic tradition. I highly recommend L’ Or en chef.
Visit the Beaune Farmer’s Market:
Experience the freshness of Beaune at its weekly farmer’s market. This lively event is a feast of colors and scents, offering a variety of local produce, cheese, and more. It’s the ideal place to gather ingredients for a picnic, which you can enjoy amid the picturesque Beaune vineyards. Locals tend to go to the market before 9am. Make sure stop at the Saint Romain Coffee stand.
Immersing in the Beaune Wine Culture: A Sommelier’s Recommendations
Delve into Wine Literature at the Athenaeum Bookstore:
The Athenaeum Bookstore is a sanctuary for wine enthusiasts. With an impressive collection of books on wine available in both French and English, it caters to a wide audience. Here, you’ll find everything from introductory guides for beginners to in-depth analysis for experts, making it a perfect spot to enrich your knowledge about the world of wine.
Cycle or Trek through the Vineyards: Unearth the essence of the region as you explore the vineyards of the Cote du Beaune on foot or by bike. This is unparalleled opportunity to witness the region’s varied terroir and distinct microclimates firsthand, which play a crucial role in shaping the taste and texture of its wines. You’ll be able to appreciate the subtle differences in the vines. Bike rental are available by the train station or near the Park Bouzaise.
Explore Renowned Négociant Producers: Discover the world of prestigious négociant producers with a selection of accessible and tourist-friendly programs. These offerings have been thoughtfully designed to provide an immersive and enjoyable experience for visitors.
- Joseph Drouhin is one of the oldest and largest. It’s an easy 3-minute walk from the Hôtel-Dieu which makes visiting very convenient! The tour includes a visit to the underground caves and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see an ancient Roman Wall.
- Patriarche Père et Fils is the second oldest wine estate in Burgundy. They offer tastings of several Bourgogne appellations and a tour of beautiful historic cellars. This tasting tour is a crowd-pleaser.
- Bouchard Père et Fils is a must. It’s the one of the oldest négociants in France and has been producing wines since the 15th century! This estate plays a major role in the Wine Auction. They offer a wide range of Bourgogne wines to taste. This is a great way to wet your palate so to speak if you are new to wines from the region.
Bespoke Wine Tour Experience with Me:
Are you ready to take your Bourgogne wine exploration to the next level? Indulge in a truly off-beat and bespoke journey with me. Join me as we delve deeper into the captivating world of Bourgogne wines, carefully crafting an itinerary that reflects your unique interests and wine knowledge. Whether you’re a curious novice or a seasoned connoisseur, our private tours offer an exclusive array of options. Immerse yourself in enlightening masterclasses, uncover hidden gems through private cellar sourcing, savor exquisite vineyard picnics, and enjoy intimate visits with passionate small producers. This tailor-made experience aims to elevate your understanding of Bourgogne’s distinguished winemaking traditions, diverse terroirs, and the exceptional characteristics that have earned its wines global acclaim.
Want to navigate on your own but need a little guidance? I offer personalized and custom itineraries based on your preferences. Yes, that includes wine recommendations too! Dive deep into this stunning region with a personalized touch.
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