Ever wondered how you end up in a quaint, lesser-known tourist spot like Beaune, France? It turns out that Beaune is renowned as the wine capital of Burgundy! I was pleasantly surprised to discover I’d found myself in such a notable location for wine aficionados without even realizing it . Beaune is situated about a 3-hour drive or a 2-hour train ride (the quickest route) from Paris.
Planning the Road Trip
I spent weeks meticulously planning our road trip – deciding where to stay and how long to stay. Our itinerary included the Alps, Provence, and Normandy. Some destinations were brief stops, while others warranted several nights. With a map of France, TripAdvisor, Google, and bookings.com at my disposal, I adjusted our route for our 10-day adventure. We aimed to explore as much as possible while also finding time to unwind and avoid the Tour de France crowd.
Have you ever pondered how many people around the globe might have seen you in their photos? It’s a thought-provoking idea .On our journey from the Palace of Versailles to the French Alps, we had to choose between Dijon and Lyon. I’m a fan of large cities and mustard, so Dijon seemed like an appealing option. However, since I wasn’t the only one making decisions, I let my husband make the choice. He suggested a stop at a small town called Beaune, situated at the crossroads between Dijon and Lyon. Initially skeptical, I was delighted to find that Beaune was incredibly charming, with a fantastic atmosphere, delightful food, and beautiful architecture.
Wine and Vineyards in Beaune
Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or department, is the perfect place to enjoy exceptional wine, as evidenced by the wonderful wine we had at a local restaurant. The area is home to numerous renowned wine villages and vineyards with outstanding wine cellars. Although I’m not a wine connoisseur, I do appreciate good wine, and Beaune seemed like the ideal spot to explore vineyards and learn more about wine.
Exploring Beaune’s Old Town
The “old town” of Beaune is known for its gourmet food scene, with various restaurants and small shops to explore. If you’re a food enthusiast, take a stroll and savor as much as you can 🙂 If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, continue reading. Beaune also hosts a food market, though we missed it.
Architectural Highlights and Vineyard Tours
The city boasts several architectural highlights, such as the Hospices de Beaune and the wine museum. It is famous for its annual wine auction, one of France’s major wine events. However, the primary attractions are the surrounding vineyards, which offer wine-tasting tours.
Just 11 miles (17km) south of Beaune is the beautiful Château de La Rochepot, a medieval fortress dating back to the 12th century. While you could previously book tours through the Beaune Tourism Board’s official site, the château is temporarily closed (as of December 2023).
Dining and Gastronomy
Dining in France is always a pleasure, and while we didn’t seek out gourmet restaurants in Beaune, we found excellent dining options through TripAdvisor. You don’t have to go far; simply find a bustling place and grab a table. Being in the wine capital of Burgundy, you must try the local red wine – you won’t be disappointed.
For a gourmet experience, the region around Beaune is home to 10 Michelin-starred restaurants, with Maison Lameloise leading the pack with three stars. Maison Lameloise is also a traditional French-style hotel.
Accommodation in Beaune
France can be pricey, and although I love luxury, we couldn’t afford 5-star hotels for our entire trip. After extensive research, we balanced hotels with our budget. We stayed at the Novotel in Beaune, a budget-friendly and clean hotel with an outdoor pool, perfect for a one-night stay during the hot season. Our room had a double bed and a fold-out couch, and although breakfast wasn’t included, you could add it for an extra fee. We preferred grabbing breakfast at a local bakery – a freshly baked baguette with butter and jam from a nearby bakery made for a delightful start to the day.
Final Thoughts
The Novotel chain offers a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury, and we booked their hotels in several cities during our road trip.
Initially, I was taken aback by Beaune, thinking, “Are we in a Western movie? It feels like a ghost town.” However, the experience quickly improved. From its position as a crossroad between two famous cities, this city proved to be a delightful surprise. The atmosphere was serene and relaxed, with fewer tourists compared to other destinations. The central square and main street were lined with numerous restaurants and small shops. Although I stopped indulging in unnecessary shopping years ago, I still enjoy exploring small shops while traveling.
