Beaune (Burgundy, France)

Visit Beaune (Burgundy, France)

Beaune is a town in the central Burgundy region between Dijon and Autun. Best known for the wine produced in the region Beaune is a pleasant place to explore. The old town is quite compact, based around the medieval hospital complex, and with several streets of shops and old buildings surrounding the center.

Exploring Beaune

The principal attraction in Beaune is the Hotel-Dieu. Found in the heart of the walled old-town of Beaune, the Hotel-Dieu was a hospital in the 15th century, and has now been immaculately preserved and renovated. I can't help wondering if a 15th century hospital was really quite so immaculate at that time...
On entering the Hotel-Dieu, first walk around the cobbled courtyard to admire the steep decorated rooves on the arcaded buildings, then enter into the carefully furnished kitchen and ward interiors - in particular see the grand 'salle des malades'. Other highlights in the Hotel-Dieu complex are the wells, the kitchens and the ancient pharmacy.
Elsewhere in Beaune spend some time strolling around the other parts of the old town and its surrounding ramparts. En route you will also see some medieval half-timbered houses.
You can visit the Church of Notre-Dame, which has some impressive 15th century wallhangings (tapestries) relating the story of the life of the Virgin Mary.
The clock tower in Beaune, dating from the 12th century, is a classified historic monument.
There are also several museums in Beaune including the Museum of Wine (find it to see the building even if you don't plan to enter - the 15th century building was once the meeting place for the Burgundy dukes); the Musee des Beaux-Arts; and the Jules-Marey Museum (for early video photography).

Attractions nearby

Wine enthusiasts will want to follow the Burgundy Wine route between Beaune and Dijon, of course visiting the villages and vineyards such as Nuits-Saint-Georges along the route.
Even if you are not interested in wine be sure to visit Dijon. About 40 kilometres north-east of Beaune it is our favourite town in Burgundy and a visit is highly recommended.