Beaune

Day 1: Beaune’s heart and historic cellars

Beaune’s medieval core sets the tone: cobbles, ramparts, and centuries of wine lore beneath your feet. Today orients you to the town’s story, from charity and terroir to the grand merchant houses that still shape the region.

• Morning: Start at the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu). Book the first slot to enjoy the architecture and the van der Weyden altarpiece in relative quiet; the visit explains how donated vineyards still fund care today and frames everything you’ll taste later.
• Midday: Simple lunch by the Halles market or a classic bistro, then a relaxed stroll past the town walls to note the geology displays and vineyard maps; they’ll help you decode labels by village and climat this week.
• Afternoon: Pre-book a tour of a négociant cellar such as Bouchard Père & Fils (in the old château) or Patriarche (vast, atmospheric tunnels). Cellars are cool year-round—bring a light jumper—and use the crachoir if you’re tasting several wines.
• Evening: Aperitif at Maison du Colombier for an excellent by-the-glass list (often biodynamic), then dinner at Caves Madeleine if you can secure a table. If you’re here the third weekend of November, the streets hum with pre-auction tastings and pop-up bars; book everything early.

Day 2: Among the vines and meeting vignerons

Get into the landscape that defines Burgundy. The Voie des Vignes cycle path threads south from Beaune through Pommard, Volnay, and Meursault, where a few metres of slope or soil make all the difference.

• Morning: Pick up bikes and roll the Voie des Vignes to Pommard and Volnay, stopping to read climat signs and compare exposures. In September during the vendanges, expect tractors and picking teams; ride single-file and don’t enter rows without permission.

By Air

• Lyon–Saint Exupéry (LYS): ~160 km. About 1h40–1h50 by car. By public transport: Rhônexpress to Lyon Part-Dieu (~30 min) then TER to Beaune (typically 1h40–2h with 0–1 change).
• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): ~320 km. Around 3h30–4h by car. By train: TGV CDG–Dijon (~1h35–1h50) then TER to Beaune (20–25 min); 2h45–3h15 total. Some itineraries route via Paris Gare de Lyon.
• Paris Orly (ORY): ~310 km. About 3h15–3h45 by car. By train via Paris (Orlyval/RER to Gare de Lyon), then TGV to Dijon and TER to Beaune; roughly 3h–3h30.
• Geneva (GVA): ~225 km. About 2h10–2h30 by car. By train typically 3h–4h with 1–2 changes (often via Lyon Part-Dieu and/or Dijon).
• Dole–Jura (DLE): ~55 km. About 45–50 min by car. Limited/seasonal flights. By train via Dole/Dijon to Beaune in ~45–60 min.

By Train

• Beaune has an SNCF TER station (centre of town). High-speed TGVs do not stop here.
• Usual hub for connections: Dijon-Ville (frequent TERs to Beaune, 18–25 min). Chalon-sur-Saône is another nearby connection (TER ~15–20 min).
• From Paris: TGV Paris Gare de Lyon–Dijon (~1h35), connect to TER to Beaune (20–25 min). Typical total ~2h15.
• From CDG: Direct TGVs to Dijon on some services, then TER to Beaune (2h45–3h15 total).
• From Lyon Part-Dieu: Direct TERs or 1-change services; typically 1h45–2h10.
• From Geneva: 1–2 changes (often via Lyon and/or Dijon); 3h–4h typical.

Beaune is Burgundy’s quietly beating heart—crowd-light yet every bit as rewarding, with deep wine heritage, handsome medieval streets and convivial tables.

• Wine-first culture: Explore UNESCO-listed climats, the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu) and atmospheric négociant cellars without the tour-bus crush; tastings at Marché aux Vins or École des Vins keep things accessible, while value shines in Saint-Aubin, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Monthélie and the Hautes-Côtes.
• Human-scale charm: A walkable old town of cobbles, ramparts and market halls; slip into Maison du Colombier or Le Bout du Monde for by-the-glass discoveries, and linger over seasonal plates at Caves Madeleine—authentic, unhurried, and friendly on both time and budget.
• Tradition over spectacle: Visit post-harvest or in winter for relaxed cellar time; the Trois Glorieuses weekend and the Saint-Vincent Tournante add colour and community without tipping into crowds, offering a front-row seat to living wine customs.
• Vineyard at your doorstep: Cycle the Voie des Vignes to Pommard, Volnay and Meursault, or make short drives to pocket-sized villages; independent cavistes like La P’tite Cave and Le Comptoir des Tontons help you find smart buys from small domaines.

Beaune suits travellers who crave character, craft, and culture poured into a walkable medieval town. Wine‑curious newcomers and seasoned collectors alike will find serious tastings and UNESCO‑listed vineyard landscapes on the doorstep. Expect a slower, more intimate scene than Bordeaux or Napa, with traditions that invite you in rather than overwhelm.

• History lovers: Explore the Hospices de Beaune’s flamboyant Gothic halls and monastic vineyard walls that tell a millennium of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Wine connoisseurs: Dive into terroir through grand négociant cellars, expert classes at the École des Vins, and appointment‑only tastings at small domaines (especially rewarding in winter).
• Foodies: Pair escargots, œufs en meurette and aged Époisses with by‑the‑glass lists that rival big‑city temples, often at friendlier prices than Paris.
• Active travellers: Cycle the Voie des Vignes past Pommard, Volnay and Meursault on gentle lanes, then coast back for a glass without needing a car.
• Scenery seekers: Photograph UNESCO‑listed climats in spring green or autumn gold, with the Côte d’Or’s stone‑walled clos revealed starkly in winter light.
• City-breakers: A compact, walkable centre, frequent TGV access (~2h15 from Paris via Dijon), and convivial wine bars make Beaune an easy, low‑stress weekend.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Beaune, the beating heart of Burgundy’s wine culture. Use these to plan a short stay that captures its history, cellars and terroir.

• Walk the cobbled lanes and ramparts of the medieval centre, ducking into expert cavistes for small‑producer gems.
• Explore the vast négociant cellars (Joseph Drouhin, Bouchard Père & Fils, Patriarche) to taste history beneath the town.
• Visit the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel‑Dieu) to admire its glazed tiles and learn how wine has funded centuries of charity.
• Take a class at the École des Vins de Bourgogne or a Marché aux Vins tasting to decode terroir and appellations.
• Hike the Voie des Vignes from Beaune through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault for vineyard views of UNESCO‑listed climats.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Beaune, the beating heart of Burgundy’s wine culture. Use these to plan a short stay that captures its history, cellars and terroir.

• Walk the cobbled lanes and ramparts of the medieval centre, ducking into expert cavistes for small‑producer gems.
• Explore the vast négociant cellars (Joseph Drouhin, Bouchard Père & Fils, Patriarche) to taste history beneath the town.
• Visit the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel‑Dieu) to admire its glazed tiles and learn how wine has funded centuries of charity.
• Take a class at the École des Vins de Bourgogne or a Marché aux Vins tasting to decode terroir and appellations.
• Hike the Voie des Vignes from Beaune through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault for vineyard views of UNESCO‑listed climats.

Beaune’s food culture is Burgundy in miniature: rustic, wine-led cooking rooted in terroir and seasons. Expect hearty classics, artisan cheeses, and simple plates designed to flatter Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, enjoyed in cosy bistros, lively wine bars, and the Saturday market at Les Halles.

• Oeufs en Meurette – Poached eggs in a silky red-wine sauce with lardons, mushrooms, and croutons; perfect in cosy bistros and candlelit cellar restaurants.
• Boeuf Bourguignon – Beef slow-braised in Pinot Noir with carrots and onions, deeply savoury and comforting; best in traditional brasseries on cooler evenings.
• Escargots de Bourgogne – Snails baked with garlicky parsley butter, for tearing bread and dipping; a favourite starter in classic cafés and neighbourhood wine bars.
• Kir & Crémant de Bourgogne – Aligoté brightened with cassis, or local sparkling for a crisp apéritif; sipped at buzzing bars or on a terrace after a browse of the market.

Beaune’s food culture is Burgundy in miniature: rustic, wine-led cooking rooted in terroir and seasons. Expect hearty classics, artisan cheeses, and simple plates designed to flatter Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, enjoyed in cosy bistros, lively wine bars, and the Saturday market at Les Halles.

• Oeufs en Meurette – Poached eggs in a silky red-wine sauce with lardons, mushrooms, and croutons; perfect in cosy bistros and candlelit cellar restaurants.
• Boeuf Bourguignon – Beef slow-braised in Pinot Noir with carrots and onions, deeply savoury and comforting; best in traditional brasseries on cooler evenings.
• Escargots de Bourgogne – Snails baked with garlicky parsley butter, for tearing bread and dipping; a favourite starter in classic cafés and neighbourhood wine bars.
• Kir & Crémant de Bourgogne – Aligoté brightened with cassis, or local sparkling for a crisp apéritif; sipped at buzzing bars or on a terrace after a browse of the market.

Choosing where to stay in Beaune is about the vibe you want: medieval bustle, quiet residential streets, or village life among the vines. Pick the area first—each offers a different pace, access to tastings, and ease for drivers or rail travellers. Here’s how they differ.

• Vieille Ville (inside the ramparts) — Medieval core around the Hospices; cobbled lanes, wine bars and major négociant cellars; best for first‑timers, history lovers and night owls (can be lively and pricier).
• Faubourg Madeleine (South Gate) — Residential and calm with easy parking and swift access to the Voie des Vignes towards Pommard/Meursault; suits families, cyclists and those wanting quiet within a 10–15 min stroll of the centre.
• Quartier de la Gare (Station Quarter, North Beaune) — Functional and convenient for rail connections and value stays; quick walk to the town walls, good for car‑free travellers and short stopovers, quieter after dark.
• Savigny‑lès‑Beaune & nearby vineyard villages — Leafy, wine‑grower ambience with cellar tastings, trails and vineyard views; ideal for romantic escapes and deep‑dive wine trips if you have a car (limited nightlife and taxis).

Travel to Beaune is straightforward: it’s a compact, walkable base with good rail links and easy access to surrounding vineyards. A few local nuances—like booking tastings well ahead and avoiding drink‑driving—make planning smoother. Costs skew higher than much of France due to global demand for Burgundy, but there’s still value if you know where to look.

• Affordability: Expect mid‑range meals €20–35 per person (without wine), glasses of village Burgundy €8–15, tastings €25–75+, and stays around €110–220 for hotels or €80–140 for B&Bs, with prices rising in summer and during the November wine events.
• Transport: The centre is easily walkable; arrive by train via Dijon, and for vineyard visits use a car or hire a driver/guide (or cycle the Voie des Vignes), as buses are limited and you should not drink and drive.
• Language: French is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and the wine trade; polite greetings and basic French phrases are appreciated and often open doors.
• Safety & comfort: Beaune is very safe and welcoming for families and solo travellers; main cautions are strict drink‑driving laws, occasional petty theft in crowded events, and cobbled streets that call for sensible footwear.
• Crowds: Peak times are June–August and the ‘Trois Glorieuses’ auction weekend in mid‑November (book far ahead), harvest in September makes producer visits hard to secure, while winter and early spring are calm and ideal for in‑depth tastings.

Travel to Beaune is straightforward: it’s a compact, walkable base with good rail links and easy access to surrounding vineyards. A few local nuances—like booking tastings well ahead and avoiding drink‑driving—make planning smoother. Costs skew higher than much of France due to global demand for Burgundy, but there’s still value if you know where to look.

• Affordability: Expect mid‑range meals €20–35 per person (without wine), glasses of village Burgundy €8–15, tastings €25–75+, and stays around €110–220 for hotels or €80–140 for B&Bs, with prices rising in summer and during the November wine events.
• Transport: The centre is easily walkable; arrive by train via Dijon, and for vineyard visits use a car or hire a driver/guide (or cycle the Voie des Vignes), as buses are limited and you should not drink and drive.
• Language: French is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and the wine trade; polite greetings and basic French phrases are appreciated and often open doors.
• Safety & comfort: Beaune is very safe and welcoming for families and solo travellers; main cautions are strict drink‑driving laws, occasional petty theft in crowded events, and cobbled streets that call for sensible footwear.
• Crowds: Peak times are June–August and the ‘Trois Glorieuses’ auction weekend in mid‑November (book far ahead), harvest in September makes producer visits hard to secure, while winter and early spring are calm and ideal for in‑depth tastings.

Beaune follows the vine’s rhythm: from spring budburst to the frenetic autumn harvest and the November festivities. Winter is calm and cellar-focused, ideal for serious tastings without the crowds.

• Spring (Apr–May): Mild to cool, fresh green vineyards; moderate crowds; relaxed, authentic vibe as work ramps up in the vines.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot, lush vineyards; peak tourism and higher prices; lively, festive atmosphere—book well ahead.
• Autumn & Harvest (Sep–Nov): Dynamic and colourful; September vendanges make appointments scarce; October eases; third weekend of November (Trois Glorieuses) sees packed streets and celebratory tastings.

Beaune follows the vine’s rhythm: from spring budburst to the frenetic autumn harvest and the November festivities. Winter is calm and cellar-focused, ideal for serious tastings without the crowds.

• Spring (Apr–May): Mild to cool, fresh green vineyards; moderate crowds; relaxed, authentic vibe as work ramps up in the vines.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot, lush vineyards; peak tourism and higher prices; lively, festive atmosphere—book well ahead.
• Autumn & Harvest (Sep–Nov): Dynamic and colourful; September vendanges make appointments scarce; October eases; third weekend of November (Trois Glorieuses) sees packed streets and celebratory tastings.

Day 3: Skills, discoveries, and celebration

Deepen your understanding before you head home: taste with intent, ask sharper questions, and track down bottles you’ll actually drink. Today blends structured learning with insider shopping and one last atmospheric cellar.

• Morning: Take a class at the École des Vins de Bourgogne (from 90-minute primers to day courses) to sharpen your sense of terroir, vintage, and classification. Winter sessions are ideal for serious tasters—vignerons have more time and cellars are quieter.
• Midday: Graze and buy like a local: La P’tite Cave for small-producer gems and Le Comptoir des Tontons for a glass and a chat. Ask about value appellations such as Saint-Aubin, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Monthélie, and the Hautes-Côtes; many shops can ship.
• Afternoon: Explore another historic cellar—Maison Joseph Drouhin’s warren under town is a time capsule—or, if you have a car/driver, make a short hop to the hill of Corton to compare cooler exposures now in vogue. If you’re here in late January, the Saint-Vincent Tournante rotates through a host village with open cellars and processions.
• Evening: Final dinner back in Beaune; order a mature village wine rather than chasing Grand Cru prices—restaurants often have older vintages at fairer value. In mid-November, the Fête des Grands Vins and the Hospices Auction electrify the town on Sunday night; outside that weekend, a quiet stroll along the ramparts is the perfect digestif.

By Car

• Motorways: A6 (Autoroute du Soleil) runs by Beaune; junctions Beaune Saint-Nicolas (24) and Beaune Centre (24.1). A31/A36 connect from Dijon and the east.
• Approximate drive times: Paris 3h15–3h45 (A6); Lyon 1h45 (A6); Dijon 35–45 min (A31); Geneva 2h10–2h30 (A40/A6); Basel 2h30–2h50 (A36/A31).
• Toll roads are common; pay by card or télépéage. Hire cars available at major airports and in Dijon/Lyon; limited options in Beaune (book ahead).

Who should go to Beaune?

Beaune suits travellers who crave character, craft, and culture poured into a walkable medieval town. Wine‑curious newcomers and seasoned collectors alike will find serious tastings and UNESCO‑listed vineyard landscapes on the doorstep. Expect a slower, more intimate scene than Bordeaux or Napa, with traditions that invite you in rather than overwhelm.

• History lovers: Explore the Hospices de Beaune’s flamboyant Gothic halls and monastic vineyard walls that tell a millennium of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Wine connoisseurs: Dive into terroir through grand négociant cellars, expert classes at the École des Vins, and appointment‑only tastings at small domaines (especially rewarding in winter).
• Foodies: Pair escargots, œufs en meurette and aged Époisses with by‑the‑glass lists that rival big‑city temples, often at friendlier prices than Paris.
• Active travellers: Cycle the Voie des Vignes past Pommard, Volnay and Meursault on gentle lanes, then coast back for a glass without needing a car.
• Scenery seekers: Photograph UNESCO‑listed climats in spring green or autumn gold, with the Côte d’Or’s stone‑walled clos revealed starkly in winter light.
• City-breakers: A compact, walkable centre, frequent TGV access (~2h15 from Paris via Dijon), and convivial wine bars make Beaune an easy, low‑stress weekend.

Choosing where to stay in Beaune is about the vibe you want: medieval bustle, quiet residential streets, or village life among the vines. Pick the area first—each offers a different pace, access to tastings, and ease for drivers or rail travellers. Here’s how they differ.

• Vieille Ville (inside the ramparts) — Medieval core around the Hospices; cobbled lanes, wine bars and major négociant cellars; best for first‑timers, history lovers and night owls (can be lively and pricier).
• Faubourg Madeleine (South Gate) — Residential and calm with easy parking and swift access to the Voie des Vignes towards Pommard/Meursault; suits families, cyclists and those wanting quiet within a 10–15 min stroll of the centre.
• Quartier de la Gare (Station Quarter, North Beaune) — Functional and convenient for rail connections and value stays; quick walk to the town walls, good for car‑free travellers and short stopovers, quieter after dark.
• Savigny‑lès‑Beaune & nearby vineyard villages — Leafy, wine‑grower ambience with cellar tastings, trails and vineyard views; ideal for romantic escapes and deep‑dive wine trips if you have a car (limited nightlife and taxis).