Beaune Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local customs of Beaune, France with this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Beaune

Beaune is a charming and picturesque town located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. Its rich history dates back to the Roman period, and it is known for its famous vineyards, quaint medieval architecture, and hospices. The town is a popular tourist destination and can be enjoyed year-round.

List of Places to Visit in Beaune

There are many places to visit and things to do in Beaune. Here are some highlights:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu) is a 15th-century hospital turned museum, showcasing the history of medicine, art, and wine-making in Burgundy.
  • The Musée du Vin de Bourgogne is a wine museum that offers visitors an insight into the region’s viticulture and wine-making tradition.
  • The Chapelle Saint-Etienne is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and houses the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy.
  • The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Beaune features a collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings, including works by Rubens and Van Dyck.

Natural Attractions of Beaune: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parc de la Bouzaise is a vast park with numerous hiking and cycling trails that lead through tranquil forests and offer beautiful views of the region.
  • The Côte de Beaune wine route offers stunning views of the vineyards and rolling hills that make up the region.
  • The Lac de Gigny is a lake located just outside of town and is a perfect place for picnics, swimming, and boating.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Beaune

There are many hiking and cycling routes in and around Beaune, including:

  • The Voie des Vignes is a 22km trail that begins in Beaune and runs through the region’s vineyards and villages.
  • The Circuit des Grands Crus is a 42km cycling route that leads through the wine-growing areas of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits.

Best Things to Do in Beaune: Activities and Tours

  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards and explore the beauty of the region from above
  • Attend the annual Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction, where the wines produced by the Hospice are sold to the highest bidder
  • Take a guided wine tour through the region and sample some of the finest wines of Burgundy
  • Experience a wine tasting and cheese pairing session at one of the many local wineries.

Week-Long Itinerary for Beaune

Day 1: Visit the Hospices de Beaune and explore the historic center of town. Day 2: Take a cycling tour of the Côte de Beaune wine route. Day 3: Visit the vineyards and wineries of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. Day 4: Take a hot air balloon ride over the region. Day 5: Visit the nearby charming town of Dijon and its famous mustard factory. Day 6: Visit the Côte de Nuits wine route and the stunning Château de Clos de Vougeot. Day 7: Relax and enjoy a picnic at Lac de Gigny or Parc de la Bouzaise.

Food and Drink Scene of Beaune

Beaune is known for its exquisite taste in food and wine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beef Bourguignon, a stew made with red wine from the region
  • Escargots de Bourgogne, Burgundy snails served with garlic butter
  • Coq au Vin, a chicken dish cooked in red wine from the region

Local Beverages

  • Burgundy wine, particularly the region’s famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
  • Crème de Cassis, a local liqueur made from blackcurrants

Where to Stay in Beaune: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Beaune offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some recommendations:

  • Le Cep, a luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Hôtel Athanor, a stylish and comfortable 4-star hotel located just outside the historic center of town.
  • Hostellerie Le Cèdre, a beautiful 4-star hotel with a heated outdoor swimming pool, located in a quiet area of the city.
  • Auberge de la Beursaudiere, a charming guesthouse set in the vineyards of Meursault, just a short drive from Beaune.

What to Buy in Beaune: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wine from the local vineyards
  • Mustard, a famous local product
  • Local cheeses, including the delicious Epoisses

Local Culture and Customs of Beaune

Beaune is a traditional French town, and there are a few local customs and etiquettes that should be observed. The French language is spoken, and locals appreciate it if you make an effort to speak a few basic phrases. The dress code is generally smart-casual, and it is considered impolite to walk into a store or restaurant without greeting the staff.

Best Time to Visit Beaune

The best time to visit Beaune is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the temperatures are mild, and the vineyards are in full bloom. The summer months (July and August) can be hot and crowded, while the winter can be cold and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Beaune

Do:

  • Try the local wines
  • Visit the historic Hospices de Beaune
  • Take a tour of the region’s vineyards
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local customs and etiquette
  • Smoke in public areas
  • Wear overly casual clothing in high-end restaurants and wineries

Safety and Health

Safety in Beaune

Beaune is a safe town, but like any other tourist destination, visitors should keep an eye on their belongings and exercise caution at night.

Health in Beaune

Visitors to Beaune should ensure they have adequate travel insurance and take any necessary precautions, such as vaccinations and medication, before traveling.

Getting to Beaune: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Beaune

The closest airports to Beaune are:

  • Dijon-Bourgogne Airport (20 km)
  • Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport (156 km)

Bus Stations Near Beaune

There are regular bus services connecting Beaune to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

  • Train services from Paris to Beaune
  • Car hire options from the nearby airports

How to Get Around in Beaune

Beaune is a small town and can be easily explored on foot. Cycling is also a popular mode of transportation, and bikes can be rented from the town center. Taxis are also available for longer journeys outside of the town.

Where to Go Next from Beaune: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many places to visit near Beaune, including:

  • Dijon, a charming city known for its mustard and architecture
  • Chalon-sur-Saône, a pretty town on the banks of the Saône River
  • Cluny, a historic town known for its famous abbey

Conclusion

Beaune is a charming and picturesque town in the heart of Burgundy, offering visitors a range of cultural, culinary, and outdoor experiences. From wine-tasting to hot air balloon rides, there is something for everyone in this beautiful and historic town.

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