Are you wondering: Is Beaune worth visiting? Discover things to do in Beaune and why you should add a stop in Burgundy to your France itinerary.
We recently visited France for a summer vacation. We flew into Lyon and drove to Annecy for Fête du Lac, the largest fireworks display in Europe.
We've been to a number of wine regions in France over the years including the Loire Valley, Medoc and Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, Reims for Champagne, Languedoc near Montpellier, and Alsace near Strasbourg. However, we had one big gap in our French wine travels: Burgundy.
Because of this, we took the opportunity to visit Beaune, a charming walled town located in Bourgogne en route between Lyon and Annecy. Is Beaune worth visiting? Let's take a look at some things to do in Beaune to help you decide for yourself.
Where to Stay in Beaune
We stayed in the Mercure Beaune Center Hotel. Located about a 15 minute walk from the historic center of Beaune, we appreciated that this hotel was easy in, easy out since we were driving. There is a parking lot on site. Check into the hotel, park the car, and then explore on foot.
Things to do in Beaune
There are a variety of things to do in Beaune, both in town and nearby. Here's how we spent approximately 36 hours (1 full day and 2 nights) in Beaune.
Day 1: Arrival and Photowalk
Late Afternoon: We arrived in Beaune and checked into the Mercure Beaune Center Hotel.
Evening: We began the trip by exploring the charming streets of Beaune, appreciating the classic French architecture and wine shops to browse.
We stopped for a glass of Burgundy wine at a local cafe called Les Chevaliers. We paired our wine with a plate of local cheeses and bread. Since we were visiting in the summer, we took the opportunity to sit outside in the warm summer air while shaded by an umbrella.
We enjoyed a delicious French dinner at Bistrot Bourguignon where we indulged in escargot, pate, and beef bourguignon. Reservations are highly recommended, especially as Beaune is relatively small.
Day 2: Wine, History, and Airplanes
Morning: We started the day with breakfast procured at the Carrefour supermarket on the outskirts of town near our hotel.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: We took a drive to Chateau de Savigny-lés-Beaune, a historic French castle located in a picturesque vineyard.
What makes this place unique is that the chateau houses a unique collection of machines: classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and helicopters. We went inside and also strolled the grounds for a unique mash-up of an elegant French vineyard, and modern eccentric collections on a grand scale.
Late Afternoon: At 2 pm, we enjoyed a pre-booked wine tasting at Patriarche winery. We explored their extensive 5 km cellars under Beaune and indulged in a guided tasting of three white wines (Auxey-Duresses, Rully 1er Cru, Meursault) and three red wines (Santenay, Beaune 1er Cru, Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru).
Early Evening: Beaune's main tourist attaction is the Hospices de Beaune. We immersed ourselves in the history of the town and region by visiting the Hôtel-Dieu Museum. We marveled at the stunning mosaic tile rooftops that shone in the sun. As a former chemist, I also appreciated the opportunity to take a peek into the historic pharmacy which still contained jars full of various powders and potions.
Evening: For an upscale treat, we booked a table at 21 Boulevard, just outside Beaune's walls. After our 3 course dinner featuring hearty regional cuisine, we toasted the end to our brief visit to Beaune with a glass of crémant (sparkling wine).
Is Beaune Worth Visiting?
Based on our experience, I believe that Beaune is worth visiting; either as an overnight adventure from Lyon or as a stopping off point on a French road trip. Let's recap a few reasons why Beaune is worth visiting:
- Beaune offers an immersive experience of Burgundy's wine region. It provides opportunities to visit local wineries and vineyards. For example, tourists can explore and taste local wines the Patriarche winery, known for its extensive cellars that stretch 5 km under Beaune.
- Beaune boasts stunning architecture, including historic buildings and charming streets. The town features atmospheric streets and charming facades with beautiful doors. This was especially noteworthy to me as a huge fan of door photography. The Hôtel de Ville is particularly noteworthy with its impressive design, sculptures, and surrounding courtyard, contributing to the city's architectural grandeur.
- Beaune provides enriching cultural experiences. A prime attraction is the Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune, the medieval hospice housing a museum with local art and furnishings from the Middle Ages. Chateau de Savigny-lés-Beaune is also nearby for an intriguing mix of classic (wine and architecture) and modern (massive collections of machines including airplanes and helicopters).
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