The 16 things to do in Beaune

Are you planning a holiday in Burgundy? Discover all the must-see visits to Beaune.

Capital of Burgundy wines, Beaune is a whole city turned to the art of living. Located in the heart of the vineyards, it hides in its ramparts a multitude of delicious restaurants and wineries of first choice. But Beaune also houses a remarkable heritage, which delights lovers of history of passage through Côte-d’Or .

If it is above all for the wines that two million visitors rush each year to Beaune, the city has many other jewels to offer them. So what do Beaune do? We have listed the main tours and activities to visit Beaune.

1. Visit the Hospices

With its unique architecture and roof covered with a mosaic of varnished tiles, the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune is a true emblem of Burgundy . Built in the 15th century, it was at the time intended to welcome and treat the poor. Today, the institution of the Hospices de Beaune brings together this former hospice transformed into a museum and a modern hospital centre. More surprisingly, the institution also owns a large and prestigious vineyard!

The visit of the Hôtel-Dieu is a real journey in time, which allows to discover different facets of the care of the XVth to the twentieth century. Above all, its typical architecture is a real jewel, to the point that its cloister is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . In addition, the place is home to many works of art left by rich benefactors. In short, if there is a visit to Beaune, it is this one!

2. Tasting regional wines

Burgundy wine is of course the other treasure of Beaune, and you will hardly be able to make the impasse on a tasting during your stay. To do this, you will only have the embarrassment of choice.

For example, you can go to wine market , but also in specialized cellars, like the famous Caves Patriarch . Moreover, it is of course possible to taste the wines directly on the areas where they are produced, around the city.

3. Folding in the historic centre

Did you know that the oldest known mentions of Beaune's name date back to VII century ? Rich in a long and tedious history, the city has preserved a beautiful heritage. This one is unveiled through the paved streets of the historic centre, where it makes a good stroll. Admire the facades and do not hesitate to push the doors of monuments, but also small independent shops in the neighborhood.

4. Browse the ramparts

The historic heart of the city is surrounded by a rempart whose first traces date back to the Gallo-Roman Antiquity . Many times modified, rebuilt and completed over time, these ramparts offer a host of historical testimonies. They walk today, the time of a walk punctuated with 17 remarkable sites .

Among them, the castle of Beaune , multiple towers, or a large wash. Undoubtedly, the ramparts are one of the most remarkable attractions of Beaune and a visit not to be missed!

5. Visit the Burgundy Wine Museum and the Maison des Climats

Tasting Burgundy wine is good. But learning the secrets of its production is even better! Beaune generously shares this ancestral knowledge in two museums that are worth a look.

The first is Burgundy Wine Museum . In this ethnological museum dedicated to wine heritage, we discover the History of the culture of the vine and the associated trades and methods. As for the Maison des Climats , it highlights the specificities of the Burgundy terroir by revealing the secrets of the climates, these ancestral plots today classified at Unesco.

6. Discover the Fallot

Another great product of the Burgundy terroir, mustard is also honoured in Beaune. And precisely, behind the scenes of his production are unveiled to the Fallot , a real local institution. Founded in 1840 , it is today the last family and independent mill in Burgundy. Its museographical journey will be a passion for young people and adults, who will then enjoy themselves at the shop-shop.

7. Admire the Beaune Lights in summer

The Festival of Lights Lyon made emulsions, and Beaune offers each summer its own Festival of Lights . This one comes in seven luminous scenography projected on the city's most emblematic monuments. This viewpoint is a poetic activity to be done in Beaune to discover the heritage otherwise.

8. Make the boat in Bouzaize Park

The Bouzaize Park is the green lung of the city, where locals and visitors relax throughout the year. This beautiful garden in English 5 hectares was founded 1883 and is now ranked. In its centre there is a water plan where you can take a boat ride. A romantic getaway to do if you visit Beaune in love.

9. Overflight the vineyards in hot water

If you want to experience an even more romantic experience during your stay in Beaune, here is the activity to do absolutely. Imagine: infinite landscapes of vineyards with golden light; and you, who fly over this pretty decor aboard a balloon. Does it take more to seduce you?

10. Admire Notre-Dame Basilica

Among the must-see monuments to visit in Beaune is Basilica Notre-Dame . Building XIIth century in a Roman style, this remarkable collegial is listed on the list of historical monuments . Beyond its beautiful architecture, it is also worth a visit to the beautiful tapestries it houses.

11. Go to Halle Square Market

Place des Halles is somehow the historical epicentre of Beaune and the life of its inhabitants. Still today, it welcomes each Saturday morning A big deal. Coloured stalls are deployed both under the halls and on nearby squares. In the summer, this food market is complemented by a grind that is held on Carnot Square.

12. Tasting Burgundian gastronomy

Burgundy is a land with the art of refined living, both in terms of wines and in terms of gastronomy. Beaune is one of the most proud emblems of this terroir and offers an exceptional concentration of very good restaurants.

Tasting all local specialties, from Burgundy beef to rooster to wine eggs in meurette , gougères , snails or gingerbread. The region is also at the forefront of cheese, with a 30 varieties often corsed, including stalk or chaource.

13. Get in the belfry

Take height by visiting the belfry of Beaune . Built between the 12th and 14th century, this square tower with an arrow is one of the historical emblems of Beaune . Today, its first three floors visit by reservation and accompanied by a guide. What to do a nice time trip to Beaune!

14. Borrow the Trail of Vignes by bike

What if you escape from the heart of the city the time of a bike getaway? Voie des Vignes is a bike route that crosses Burgundy from north to south through Beaune. For the greatest happiness of the epicure cyclists, it follows the route of the Grand Crus and swivels the beautiful landscapes of the vineyards. From Beaune you'll have to pedal for 46 kilometers to reach Dijon north, or 22 kilometers to go to Santenay to the south.

15. Hiking from Beaune

If you prefer cycling, you will not miss opportunities to explore the surroundings of Beaune. Indeed, the city is the starting point of many hiking trails. These will take you to the heart of the vineyard but also to the hills, forests and villages around. In particular, we recommend that you do so tour of the Beaune mountain ; the path will make you cross the vineyards of the first wines of Beaune.

16. Explore the surroundings of Beaune

There are many things to do in Beaune and the city is worth a visit in itself. But it is also an ideal starting point to explore one of the most beautiful corners of France by the small roads. Indeed, the Côte-d’Or offers beautiful landscapes shaped by vineyards, but also many sites of interest.

A host of abbeys and castles, sheltering for some of the vineyards, is its heritage which we encourage you to take the time to discover from Beaune. The most immanquable of them is undoubtedly the famous abbey of Cluny , located just over an hour from the city.

How to get to Beaune?

Beaune is served by several highways and train lines. Thus, Beaune train station is located at 2:15 de Paris with correspondence to Dijon, but also to 1h45 of Mulhouse and 1h40 de Lyon in direct connection.

For travellers from a distance, the nearest international airports are located in Lyon, Geneva and Basel . To find the flight that suits you, we recommend that you use a flight comparison as well Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Beaune?

To visit Beaune without pain, the best option is to stay in Historic Centre , close to the main attractions. You will find a nice choice of hotels. To find the rare pearl suitable for your needs, you can use a Compare hotels .

If you want more intimate comfort and create a close proximity with the inhabitants, many charming rentals Airbnb are available in Beaune. To keep an unforgettable memory of your stay in the country of Brussels!