1st May, 8th May, Ascension Day... what's on in Beaune?A spring break between vineyards and heritage in Burgundy

Top 5 activities in Beaune for the May bank holidays

Fancy swapping the dreariness for the soft green of the vines? With the arrival of the fine weather in May and, above all, the long weekends, it’s the perfect time to escape the daily grind. Just 2 hours from Paris by train and 1h30 from Lyon by car, Beaune and its Burgundy villages invite you to unwind, savour and recharge your batteries.

Whether you’re an epicurean, a history buff or looking for a family adventure, we’ve selected the 5 must-do activities for a successful stay in the Beaune region. From the legendary Route des Grands Crus to the Gothic gems of the town centre, find out how to enjoy the best of Burgundy this spring.

Ready to switch off? Here’s your programme!

On the programme ...

All the practical information

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Sign Route Des Grands Crus Bourgogne
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Ecrivin

01. Immersion in the Burgundy vineyards

Welcome to the heart of Burgundy’s wine tourism kingdom. Along the legendary Route des Grands Crus, let yourself be guided through the famous UNESCO-listed climats.

To make the most of this experience, a walk or cycle ride is a must! You may or may not be accompanied by an enthusiastic guide who will reveal all the secrets of this exceptional terroir.

Afterwards, head to the Beaune wine estates for a tasting: Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, the choice is yours!

And if you’re just starting out, don’t panic: introductory wine-tasting workshops will teach you how to recognise the subtle aromas of the region’s wines.

On the Route des Grands Crus

02. Discover the town of Beaune

Next stop: the capital of Burgundy wines.

Listed as a Town of Art and History, Beaune is well worth a visit. Make your first stop at the famous Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune, a flamboyant Gothic jewel with polychrome roofs. Book online.

Then take a stroll through the medieval streets lined with half-timbered houses, ramparts and old town houses – we guarantee you’ll be in for a real treat.

And don’t miss a visit to the Musée des Beaux Artsfor an insight into the wealth of local art.

Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune

Fermé temporairement : Musée des Beaux-Arts de Beaune

03. Gourmet stop

After a fine introduction to our heritage, it’s time for a gourmet break, because Burgundy is also a land to savour.

Snails, mature cheeses, gingerbread, Burgundian beef and blackcurrants in all shapes and sizes… The local market is bursting with regional specialities.

Depending on what you fancy, you can opt for the elegance of gourmet restaurants or the warm atmosphere of a home-cooked meal.

Michelin Stars restaurants

Dining at a table d'hôtes

French cooking classes

To take things even further, why not book a cookery lesson with a chef or a wine and food pairing dinner in a refined setting?

A perfect experience for epicureans in search of new flavours and unforgettable gourmet moments.

04. Relaxation and Nature

For a gentle way to digest your meal, why not hire a bike? Take the Voie des Vignes (Vineyard Trail), winding your way through vineyards and charming wine-producing villages.

At the end of the day, how about a picnic with a view? You’ll be able to admire a superb sunset over the Côtes de Beaune.

Download the bike map!

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Couple Stroll Vineyard Cote De Beaune
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Beaune Tourisme - Studio Piffaut

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Spa Marie De Bourgogne Le Cep Beaune Well Being Massage
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Hotel le Cep

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Serge Chapuis

Looking for a relaxing way to round off your day of discovery in style? Stayin a hotel with a spa and swimming pool. You can enjoy massages, relaxing swims and delicious cocktails on the terrace with a view that we hope will leave you speechless.

05. Why not bring the whole family?

Beaune can also be discovered by the whole family! Take advantage of the long weekends on 1 May, 8 May and Ascension Day to come and explore the region. Many nature activities for children, such as pony rides, treasure hunts and accrobranche (tree climbing) are easily accessible in the surrounding area.

If you fancy a wine tasting, some wineries offer fun tours specially designed for families, with tastings to suit young and old alike.

After a busy day, you can spend the night in a charming gîte nestling in the heart of the vineyards. Everything has been thought of to ensure that your family weekend is a success and full of unforgettable memories.

Booklet of family activities

Practical information to help you organise your getaway

Getting to Beaune is easy: by TGV via Dijon or directly by car via the A6. Allow around 2 hours from Paris and 1h30 from Lyon.

If you want to stay in a Michelin-starred hotel or a charming gîte, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

Remember to book your tables and activities in advance, especially for long weekends when Beaune attracts many connoisseurs of fine wines.

Getting here and around

Finding accomodations in Beaune

We’ve got all the practical information you need for a zen weekend.

I'm making the most of my stay!

Organising my stay

Your Burgundy break is waiting for you!

Beaune in May is much more than just a stopover: it’s a veritable ode to the good life. Whether you come for the prestige of its Grands Crus, the majesty of its heritage or simply to breathe in the heart of the vineyards, the capital of Burgundy wines is sure to surprise you.

The long weekends in May are very popular. Expert advice? Don’t wait until the last minute to book your favourite experiences and gourmet restaurants.