©montgolfiere-vignes-summer|Flore Deronzier

10 GOOD REASONS TO COMEAnd to return

10 good reasons to come

Going away for a weekend or a vacation in a Burgundy town? Beaune is perfect for a short romantic break or a week with the family. The capital of Burgundy wines is easy to visit on foot, and the surrounding wine villages reflect the authentic image of the French terroir. Between heritage, nature and wine tourism, discover 10 good reasons to visit Beaune and its villages.

For a visit, or for life

01. Visit the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune

If there were only one monument to see in Burgundy, it would be the Musée de l’Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune. It alone sums up Burgundy’s winegrowing identity, the architecture of its heritage, the great milestones of its History and the values of its people.

The visit is breathtaking. You’ll remember the image of the glazed tile roofs for a long time to come. You’ll also uncover many mysteries about Burgundy wines, the famous Wine Sale and modern medicine in the 15th century.

I visit the Hôtel-Dieu

©Roof Hospices De Beaune Varnished|Armelle

©Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune- Burgundy|© Michel Baudouin

©Hospices De Beaune Salle Des Povres3|Francis Vauban

©Hospices De Beaune Cour Interieure Puit 1

Descent with a cellar rat or candlestick in the Patriarche cellars in Beaune — ©Patriarch (4)

Visit the 15th-century cellars of Maison Champy, formerly part of the convent of the Jacobine sisters of Beaune. — ©Champy House|Aurelien Ibanez

2. Cellar-tasting Burgundy wines

Our best-kept secrets lie beneath our feet. There’s not a square meter in Beaune or the typical villages of the Pays Beaunois, that doesn’t hide a cellar.

Under centuries-old vaults, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are tasted by the light of cellar rats. Each tasting experience is unique, each winemaker has his own way of presenting his wine. You’ll discover that Burgundy’s cellars are a reflection of its Climats: a unique character and identity.

3. Savour Burgundy's gastronomy

In Burgundy, gourmets and gourmands meet at the table. From Abbey cheeses to Coq au vin, not forgetting truffles, gourmandise is a lovely default in Burgundy!

And how about continuing the Beaunois quest: savoring the Boeuf bourguignon that will surpass their grandmother’s?

©Beef Bourguignon Gastronomy Plate|Flore Deronzier

©Gastronomy Burgundy Escargots Chardonnay|Michel Joly

©voie-des-vignes-bourgogne-velo-33|PIFFAUT

©Cyclist Velo Vignes Burgundy|Beaune Tourisme - Studio Piffaut

4. Cycling through the vineyards

On the small roads of the Voie des Vignes, discover authentic villages and prestigious vineyards. You’ll come across some of Burgundy’s greatest names: Corton-Charlemagne, Puligny-Montrachet, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Volnay, Pommard…

Between 2 mythical signposts, you can make a well-deserved stopover at an inn or discover a family-run Côte de Beaune wine estate.

5. Hiking in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune

Enjoy the secret panoramas, the circuits along the ridges and the astonishing variety of landscapes… Happiness is at hand for the walker who takes the time to discover.

Alone or with the family, the trails of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune lead you to paradise.

©Hiking Cliffs Walkers Panorama|Philippe Gateau

©Canal du Centre Cruise Boat|Palomba Robert

©Port Canale Centre Cruise Ship|Studio Piffaut

6. Casting off on the Canal du Centre

Disembark at the Chagny marina for a bucolic cruise through vineyards and green meadows. The journey is serene. The pleasure lasts. Landscapes follow each other in slow succession, so you’ll have plenty of time to make sure you don’t miss a thing. With one eye on the latest thriller, the other on the unspoilt countryside, your stay in Burgundy will be the best remedy for stress and city bustle.

7. Live to the rhythm of the Festivals

A festival for everyone. There’s something for every musical taste in the Pays Beaunois. Baroque music for the Festival d’Opéra Baroque et Romantique, jazz with Jazz O’Verre and blues with Beaune Boogie Blues Festival, classical with Bach à Bacchus… And many more.

Attending a festival in Burgundy also means discovering the region, its cultural wealth, the enthusiasts who bring it to life… great encounters in prospect.

Consult the agenda

©Collegiate Church Visit Family Concert Beaune Baroque Festival|Kaptura

©161stventedesvins-170 © Titouan RIMBAULT - Hospices Civils de Beaune|Domaine viticole / Hospices de Beaune

8. Take part in the Hospice Wine Sale

This exceptional event takes place on the 3rd weekend of November. The town of Beaune comes alive to the rhythm of the auction and the prestige tastings. If you want to get to the heart of Burgundy, this is the place to be. You’ll experience unprecedented moments and sublime festive encounters with the winemakers.

Wine Sales

©Village of Savigny-lès-Beaune|Michel Joly

9. Visit picturesque villages

Burgundy, and the Beaune region in particular, is full of beautiful, picturesque villages. Witnesses to a remarkable historical past, they welcome you for an afternoon or a weekend.

The villages of the Beaune region

©Abbaye De Fontenay Jardin|Frederic DUPIN

©16770-Citeaux-cloitre-des-copistes|Abbaye de Cîteaux; ATRIA

©Abbaye De Fontenay Heritage Burgundy|Frederic DUPIN;

10. Discover Romanesque art & the legacy of the monks

Our beautiful region is home to some splendid heritage treasures. The great abbeys of Cluny, Fontenay and Cîteaux are the must-see monuments. In the villages of the Côte de Beaune and Hautes-Côtes are hidden little jewels, echoes of Burgundy’s history.

Abbeys to discover

And above all