Things to do in Beaune
-
A
Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune
Built in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, the chancellor to Philippe-le-Bon, and used as a hospital until 1971, this magnificent Gothic hospital building is famously topped by stunning turrets and pitched rooftops covered in multicoloured tiles. Fascinating interior highlights include the barrel-vaulted Grande Salle (look for the dragons and peasant heads up on the roof beams); the mural-covered St-Hughes Room; an 18th-century pharmacy where the nuns made their own medicaments and which is lined with flasks once filled with volatile oils, unguents, elixirs and powders such as beurre d'antimoine (antimony butter) and poudre de cloportes (woodlouse powder); the huge kitchens, with th…
reviewed
-
B
Loiseau des Vignes
Give yourself up to the splendour of delicate concoctions like an egg poached in white wine with shallots...light as a dream. Could be the best egg you ever eat in your life. Wines are served only by the glass (€3 to €80) from snazzy sleek red degustation contraptions ringing the hushed but relaxed dining room. Service is knowledgeable and attentive, making a meal here a true pleasure.
reviewed
-
C
Lycée Viticole
One of about 20 French secondary schools (at least one in each wine-producing region) that trains young people in every aspect of winemaking. You can visit the cellars and taste the prize-winning wines made by the students, something they're officially not allowed to do till they're 18. (Decades ago wine used to be served with lunch in the school cafeteria!)
reviewed
-
D
Cellier de la Vieille Grange
This is where locals come to buy Burgundy wines en vrac (in bulk) for as little as €1.25 per litre (from €3.40 per litre for AOC). Tasting is done direct from barrels using a pipette. Bring your own jerry can or buy a cubitainer (5/20L for €2.75/7.60) or something memorably called a Vinibag.
reviewed
-
E
Reine Pédauque
Over the course of a 45-minute guided tour (in English upon request) of the 18th-century cellar, visitors sample at least one white, two reds and Belen, an apéritif. Given the thick cobwebs on the ceiling, you wouldn't want to be in here if gravity reversed itself.
reviewed
-
F
Basilique Collégiale Notre Dame
Built in the Romanesque and Gothic styles from the 11th to 15th centuries this church was once affiliated with the monastery of Cluny. It's notable for its extra-large porch, and medieval tapestries are displayed inside from Easter till the third weekend in November.
reviewed
-
G
Marché aux Vins
Using a tastevin, sample an impressive 15 wines in the candle-lit former Église des Cordeliers and its cellars. Wandering among the vintages takes about an hour. The finest wines are at the end; look for the premier crus and the grand cru.
reviewed
-
La Moutarderie
Maison Fallot, Burgundy's last family-run stone-ground mustard company, offers tours of its facilities which include a museum about mustard. Demonstrations include hand-milling mustard seeds – young kids love it! Reserve ahead at the tourist office.
reviewed
-
H
Caves Madeleine
A convivial Burgundian restaurant, much appreciated by locals who prize good value; regional classics include boeuf bourguignon and cassolette d'escargots. Join fellow diners at long communal wooden tables surrounded by wine racks.
reviewed
-
Burgundy Wine Route
8 days (Beaune)
Cycle Burgundy's charming countryside, home to beautiful chateaux and vast vineyard estates.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,090 Advertisement
-
Wine Lovers Burgundy
8 days (Beaune)
A cycle journey designed for lovers of fine wine and classic scenery.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,090 -
Burgundy Vineyard Walk
7 days (Beaune)
Walk through the vineyards of Burgundy and sample fine food and wine.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,790 -
I
Patriarche Père et Fils
The largest cellars in Burgundy, they are lined with about five million bottles of wine. The oldest is a Beaune Villages AOC from 1904. Visitors sample 13 wines and take the tastevin home.
reviewed
-
J
Le P'tit Paradis
Find this intimate restaurant on a narrow medieval street. An excellent place for cuisine elaborée (creatively transformed versions of traditional dishes) made with fresh local products. Has a terrace open in summer.
reviewed
-
K
Pickwick's Pub & Wine Bar
A convincingly English-style pub with leather armchairs, an open fireplace and lots of whiskies behind the counter. Serves nine fine wines by the glass. There's live music two Saturdays a month.
reviewed
-
L
Ma Cuisine
A low-key place hidden down an alley. Traditional dishes include whole roasted Bresse pigeon (€32). The wine list has 850 vintages (€18 to €830).
reviewed
-
Burgundy Highlights
4 days (Beaune)
An introduction to cycling through Burgundy's magnificent vineyards .
Not LP reviewed
from USD$890 -
M
Athenaeum de la Vigne et du Vin
Stocks thousands of titles on oenology (the art and science of winemaking), including many in English, as well as recipe books and wine-related gifts.
reviewed
-
N
Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts features Gallo-Roman carvings and assorted paintings, including works by Beaune-born Félix Ziem (1821-1911).
reviewed
-
Le Jardin des Remparts
On the cool terrace under umbrellas or in the refined dining room, dine on treats like foie gras poached with tarragon.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
O
Les Mille et Une Vignes
Chatty locals jam here for drinks at night and quieter coffees during the day.
reviewed
-
P
Bourgogne Randonnées
Arranges tailor-made self-guided bike tours, including lodging and meals.
reviewed
-
Burgundy Canals and Vineyards
7 days (Beaune)
A cycle through Burgundy's impressive vineyards and along the Voie Verte cycleway.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,690 -
Q
Musée du Vin de Bourgogne
The exhibits at the Musée du Vin de Bourgogne are dryer than the driest Chablis.
reviewed
-
R
