The Quick Guide to Beaune: Best Things to See in Beaune

It might well be that you never heard of this small town, often overshadowed by its bigger sister Dijon. Beaune is the closest thing to heaven for every wine aficionado. This town, in fact, knows nothing but centuries of winemaking tradition. If you still don’t think this might be a place worth visiting, let me change your mind with this Quick Guide to Beaune and the 9 best things to see and do in town!

Côte de Beaune is a D.O.C. wine appellation (Controlled Denomination of Origin). This label encompasses a wide area around the commune of Beaune, in Burgundian Côte d’Or.

It is mind-blowing to think that such small restricted delimitata area on France produces some of the most expensive wines in the world!

Although everything in Beaune speaks of wine, the number-one highlight of this quick guide to Beaune is certainly Hôtel-Dieu.

This majestic construction is Beaune’s most famous landmark. Without getting into a history lecture, Hôtel-Dieu first opened its doors as a hospital for the poor in 1443, thanks to the generosity of Nicolas Rolin and his wife. The noble and extremely charitable couple devoted their entire lives to the project.

The hospital played a crucial role in the history of Beaune, especially during the terrible years of the plague.

Thanks to the couple’s very modern approach, the hospital remained in use for centuries. Imagine that only in 1971 was it eventually relocated to a more modern facility.

The Museum’s iconic tiled roof is unmistakable. Also, the stunning Gothic architecture that confers Hôtel-Dieu its enchanted aura.

This room’s medieval wooden ceiling is so grand you will get a stiff neck.

Among the other chambers open to the public, you will find not only the chapel, but also a very organized pharmacy and an overly-equipped kitchen. After all, they needed to supply hundreds of meals every single day.

At the end of the museum gallery, the queen of the collection awaits: a stunning nine-panel altarpiece from 1451, on which Nicolas and his wife also make their appearance.

The Marché aux Vins has the most comprehensive collection of local wines you could find.

Before losing yourself amongst the prestigious bottles displayed here, visit the wine cellars under the shop.

Here you can sample some prestigious labels, including many Gran Crus. This is definitely the best way to decide which bottles will come home with you. Don’t worry about your luggage allowance: they ship internationally!

Famous for its colorful wine culture, and its Grands Crus, you couldn’t pick a better place to shop for wine.

From atop the ramparts, one can already see the vibrant tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu

The walk takes you by the old winery and storehouse of Hôtel-Dieu, as well as the sturdy donjons of the Château de Beaune. The castle became the headquarters of Bouchard Père & Fils, one of the three “forefathers” of winemaking in Beaune.

Another very recognizable landmark from up here is the elegant bell tower of the Basilica of Our Lady of Beaune.

This 13th-century Romanesque Basilica, with a Renaissance-inspired bell tower and a dramatically gothic portal, is a real cocktail of styles.

Also, it is a combination of a basilica and a convent, both listed as “Historic Monuments”.

One of the best things to see in Beaune and an architectural highlight of our quick guide to the city.

Inside, you can admire a beautiful Renaissance chapel and superb glass windows.

The portal of the right transept of the Notre-Dame of Beaune basilica opens onto a hidden cloister gallery. It was unfortunately close on our first visit, but we got luckier this time.

It is truly as marvelous as it is peaceful!

One of the best things to do in Beaune is, without doubt, a good old wine tasting. Wine wins spot number 2 on our quick guide to Beaune. Whether as a group, a couple, or even a family, Beaunois are specialized at finding tailored solutions to make everyone happy.

If you don’t consider yourself a wine lower, it is because you haven’t been to Beaune yet????

Regardless of which one you pick, you will not be disappointed.

That is why, “sadly”, we had to limit ourselves to two tastings a day.

I totally agree! Around Beaune there is so much to see it can get overwhelming. If you don’t know where to start, then consider beginning your “wine tour” at Mersault. This couple’s activity was simply the best.

Followed by the picturesque Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet. Last but not least, catch a glimpse of the romantic villages of Santenay, La Rochepot, and Orches.

Finally, you round off the experience with a well-deserved wine tasting.

To really upgrade this wonderful day, we decided to stay in this dream-like château.

This city is such a culinary capital that a foodie point had to feature on our Quick Guide to Beaune. Right in the hearth of town there are several bistrot and restaurants, each one more inviting than the other.

A typical dish here are the Escargots à la Bourgogne, simply delicious! I know, not everyone rejoices thinking about a dish of buttery snails.

Do not despair: other local specialties include the Coq au Vin (rooster with wine and mushrooms) and the Gougères (savory cheese puffs), no foodie will be left hungry.

Personally, I loooove to organize lavish cheese picnics when travelling around France.

I’d leave the wine choice to you, but allow me to make some “cheesy” suggestions.

First, the unpaired cheese Shop Fromagerie Alain Hess for some life-changing cheese and other excellent Burgundian products. Second, the bakery Boulangerie 20 Place Monge – Marie Boucherot, this bread kingdom is heaven for any baguette lover.

Now you only need a blanket, a bench, or a cozy B&B terrace to enjoy your very own charcuterie board.

If you prefer something less bucolic, stop for a hearty meal at L’Ardoise. Another great option for dinner is the bistro Soul, where every dish is inspired by seasonal products.

From a fine local epicerie to a delicate Michelin-starred restaurant, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this culinary capital.

The magnificent Clock Tower that dominates downtown Beaune is a 13th century belfry. In the 1397 Philippe III “The Bold” added the elaborate medieval clock that gives the tower its name.  Even though the clock was replaced in the 17th century, the oldest bell dates all the way back to 1407!

FUN FACT: The tower served the most disparate purposes and changed its face many times during its long life, until the municipality of Beaune decided to demolish it in 1750. The decision outraged the citizens who protested so much the tower was not only kept bus also repaired. Look at what complaining can sometimes achieve!

Although the tower is open to visitors, there is no way to access the upper floor and enjoy the view. All in all, it is still a beautifully kept historical building by day and the stage of a delightful light show by night.

Since 1946 the hotel of the Dukes of Burgundy houses the Burgundy Wine Museum. Even so, this museum is the very first one of its kind in the whole region.

Furthermore, an extremely fascinating part of the collection is dedicated to the Unesco-listed Climats. This millenary model of viticulture is considered an exceptional heritage!

We hope you enjoyed this quick guide to Beaune and all the coolest things to see in town. Don’t forget to share it with fellow wine lovers and save those tips for your next holiday!

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