Looking for ideas for your next Burgundy getaway? With the Cité des Climats et des vins de Bourgogne, Beaune is the place to be to discover, appreciate, taste and learn about Burgundy wines and climats. So what's there to do and see in Beaune, a Burgundian jewel that now attracts almost 2 million tourists a year? Here we go, to discover the city 's most beautiful spots, rich in history and culture, so you won't miss a thing during your visit. Whether you're passionate about wine, architecture or gastronomy, you'll see that Beaune has so much to offer!
1. TheHôtel-Dieu de Beaune: a must-see
The Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, a jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture with polychrome roofs and collections of earthenware and pewter, is a must-see in Burgundy. Its flamboyant Gothic architecture and breathtaking polychrome roofs, as well as its renowned vineyards, make this museum a true gem of Burgundy. The building was used for this purpose until 1971, when it was transformed into a museum that you can visit. You'll see the kitchen, with its vast Gothic fireplaces, the apothecary where the ingredients to create remedies were kept, and the rooms that welcomed patients from 1452 to the 20th century. Don't miss the Last Judgment polyptych, a mid-15th-century masterpiece commissioned from Rogier van der Weyden, one of the great masters of Flemish painting.
We recommend that you discover Beaune on this this guided tour will show you the hidden gems of the historic center.
2. Visit the Fallot mustard factory
Founded in 1840, Moutarderie Fallot is a key reference in French gastronomy. You can discover its manufacturing secrets on two captivating tours: the Découvertes tour, a fun, immersive tour that guides you through the old workshop, where you'll learn all about mustard! For an emotionally-charged experience, the Sensations fortes tour takes you to the heart of today's production site. A revolutionary sensory presentation allows you to follow every stage in the transformation of the mustard seed in real time! Finish your visit at the Enjoy Fallot space, a boutique where you can taste new mustards and take home a tasty souvenir of this unique experience.
3. Visit the Musée du Vin
Created in 1938 and installed in 1946 in the former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Musée du Vin takes visitors on a journey to the heart of Burgundy's vineyard and wine-making traditions. It showcases the unique character of the climats du vignoble de Bourgogne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour is now fun and interactive, with a visit to the aroma cellar where young and old alike can try their hand. Take a journey through the history of wine, from Gallo-Roman times to the present day. You'll discover all the players in the industry, from the wine trade to vineyard work, winemaking, cooperage, traditions and much more. The home of a winegrower at the end of the 19th century has even been reconstructed: a must-see in Beaune !
See also our articles What to do in Dijon? The 15 must-sees and must-visits and Weekend in Dijon: what to visit in 2 or 3 days?
4. A visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Beaune
Founded in 1850, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Beaune houses a number of Gallo-Roman stelae and relics, as well as collections of sculptures dating from the 12th to the early 20th century, including a polychrome Virgin and Child, a veritable treasure trove of medieval art. Flemish painters of the 16th and 17th centuries are well represented, as are local artists such as Félix Ziem and Hippolyte Michaud. Don't miss the lithographs by Pablo Picasso, Fernand Léger and Le Corbusier. In all, the museum boasts almost 400 paintings, 350 sculptures and 1,000 engravings, enough to keep you entertained.
5. Notre-Dame collegiate church
Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the Collégiale Notre-Dame is a fine example of Burgundian Romanesque art: it features three storeys, cruciform pillars with Gothic additions, a Renaissance bell tower and the remarkable Saint-Léger chapel . Step inside to admire the superb 12th-century statue of the Virgin and Child. Don't miss the guided tour organized by the tourist office to discover a magnificent collection of 15th-century tapestries. In summer, a sound and light show sets the pediment ablaze.
6. The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne, a must-see in Beaune
The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne is a network of three wine tourism sites located in Chablis, Beaune and Mâcon, offering three complementary visitor itineraries that highlight the specific winegrowing characteristics of each territory, and pass on a thousand-year-old cultural heritage through modern, educational and entertaining features (tours with tastings, fun and multisensory activities). The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne in Beaune is a real technical feat, with its 24-metre-high spiral, and an exemplary example of eco-responsibility, thanks to a carefully thought-out construction process in line with a sustainable tourism approach. The building has already won several awards.
Immerse yourself in the fabulous history of the world's most famous wines by booking this the Cité des climats et vins in Beaune.
7. Stroll along Beaune's ramparts
Beaune is a medieval town surrounded by ramparts built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Take a stroll along these ancient fortifications. A stroll punctuated by 17 stops allows you to observe the town's main monuments and remarkable sites. Note the bastions and watchtowers pierced with loopholes, the Porte Saint-Nicolas, the large washhouse and the Château de Beaune overlooking the town... This wealth of heritage is perfectly explained on panels equipped with QR codes. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the walk, to give you time to photograph Beaune from a different point of view.
8. Discover the Patriarche cellars, the largest in Burgundy
The Patriarche cellars are a must-see in Beaune to discover the climats de Bourgogne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a heritage dating back almost 250 years, they are the ideal place to explore these climats. These are the largest cellars in Burgundy, built between the 13th and 18th centuries. Home to 2 million bottles , they guide you through 5 km of magically lit galleries, punctuated by interactive video terminals and tasting stations. Your tour ends in the boutique, where a range of over 300 exceptional wines is on offer.
We also recommend this guided tour of the Maison Champy cellars with wine tasting.
10. Take a mini-train tour of Beaune
Discover Beaune's most emblematic landmarks and vineyards on board the little train, which winds its way from the city's most emblematic landmarks to its vineyards! You' ll discover Beaune from the comfort of your seat, at an average speed of 8 km/h, for a 40-minute escapade, punctuated by commentaries on Beaune's history and culture, enhanced by a few anecdotes and musical interludes. Starting in front of the Hôtel-Dieu, the tour takes in the old town, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame, the Parc de la Bouzaise... Commentaries are broadcast in a dozen languages.
11. Enjoy a crémant tasting
Veuve Ambal is the leading producer of Crémant de Bourgogne. The house has earned a strong reputation as the leader in Burgundy sparkling wines with its crémants, notably the Prestige rosé collection, and its specialties such as bio and blanc de blanc. Your stay in Beaune is an opportunity to visit the vineyards and discover the secrets of wine-making. The production method, similar to that used in Champagne, is explained to visitors during a tour of the factory, which is accessible to wheelchair users. The tour ends with a commented tasting of 3 crémants.
12. Discover local produceat Les Halles de Beaune
Les Halles de Beaune is ideally located right in the center of town, opposite the Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune. Every Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the people of Beaune gather here to do their shopping. Wednesdays are particularly devoted to food products. You'll find everything: fruit, vegetables, meat, charcuterie, roast meats, cheese, spices and more. Up to 180 traders can be found here, making it an ideal place to discover local produce. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, there's nothing to stop you taking a short break in the morning for a coffee or ending your market with lunch. On Saturdays from April to November, in addition to your market, you can visit the brocante on Place Carnot.
13. Le Jardin du petit Roi de Grâce: a place out of this world, ideal for recharging your batteries
The magnificent Jardin du Petit Roi de Grâce is a quiet, tree-lined, out-of-this-world space, ideal for recharging one's batteries. This is where you'll find the chapel housing the statue of the Little King of Grace, a marvellous articulated statuette in polychrome wood, 58 cm high and sometimes dressed in sumptuous garments. It belonged to a Carmelite nun from Beaune who is said to have had visions of the Christ child, as well as a gift for helping difficult births, healing newborns and fighting sterility. During her prayers, she is said to have seen the birth of the future King Louis XIV, born after 12 years of marriage. Thanks to her many miracles, Marguerite has been venerated ever since, under the name Marguerite du Saint-Sacrement.
A scenographic project is currently under consideration to animate the garden and bring the site to life in a new way.
Where to stay in Beaune?
Whether you're looking for a luxurious stay, a romantic getaway or family accommodation, Beaune offers a variety of options to suit all needs and budgets. Here are our favorites!
- The ideal hotel for family vacations: ibis Styles Beaune Centre
This Styles concept, which you can book here, has plenty to offer the family on the road to vacation. First good point: excellent bedding. Second: children are welcome (family suites for 4, adapted breakfast, kid's corner for playing...). And last but not least, the decor, uncluttered but colorful.
- Most central: Beaune Hôtel
Step through the porch of this family-run hotel to discover all its charm from the flower-filled courtyard. Located close to the town center and its restaurants, it boasts a veranda where breakfast is served, a large secure covered garage and a free enclosed bike room. A unique hotel in Beaune that you can book here. When it comes to hospitality, the team is top-notch!
- The quietest: Hôtel Adélie
The Hôtel Adélie is a very quiet and pleasant establishment just a few minutes from the town of Beaune book here. Manuel Gonzalez puts a lot of energy into making his address ever more welcoming and comfortable. What did we like? Lounging by the outdoor pool , heated to 27°C from May 1 to October.
Discover also the most popular things to do in Beaune :
What to see in Beaune in 2 days
Beaune is a city rich in history and culture, and there's plenty to see in two days. Here's a suggested itinerary to maximize your time:
Day 1
- Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Hôtel-Dieu, a jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture with polychrome roofs and collections of earthenware and pewter. A must-see in Burgundy.
- Burgundy Wine Museum
- Afternoon: After a break for lunch, head to the Musée du Vin de Bourgogne to discover the region's winegrowing history and traditions. The museum features interactive exhibits and an aroma cellar.
- Stroll through the old town
- Late afternoon: Stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town, admire the medieval ramparts, the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame and the Château de Beaune.
Day 2
- Les Halles de Beaune
- Morning: On Wednesdays or Fridays, visit Les Halles de Beaune to discover local produce and do some shopping. It's a great place to sample regional specialties.
- Caves Patriarche
- Afternoon: After lunch, explore the Caves Patriarche, Burgundy's largest wine cellars. Discover Burgundy's climats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and end the day with a wine tasting.
- Jardin du Petit Roi de Grâce
- Late afternoon: End your day with a visit to the Jardin du Petit Roi de Grâce, a quiet wooded area ideal for rejuvenation. You can also visit the chapel housing the statue of the Little King of Grace.
Additional activities
- Visiotrain: If you have the time, take a visiotrain ride to discover Beaune's landmarks and admire the vineyards.
- Moutarderie Fallot: For mustard lovers, a visit to the Moutarderie Fallot is a must. You'll be able to discover the secrets of its production and even make your own mustard.
This itinerary will allow you to discover Beaune's main attractions in two days, while enjoying the region's rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.
What to do in Beaune when it rains?
When it rains in Beaune, there are still plenty of interesting things to do indoors. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Visit the Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune
A must-see in Beaune. You can spend several hours exploring this magnificent flamboyant Gothic building, its collections of earthenware and pewter, and discover the history of this six-century-old hospital.
- Musée du Vin de Bourgogne
Located in the former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, this museum immerses you in the region's winegrowing history and traditions. You can discover Gallo-Roman stelae and remains, sculpture collections and Flemish paintings.
- Go to Moutarderie Fallot
Visit this independent, family-run business to discover the secrets of making Burgundy mustard. You can even make your own mustard and taste different varieties.
- Les Caves Patriarche
Burgundy's largest wine cellars offer a fascinating tour through a maze of magically lit galleries. You can discover the climats of Burgundy and finish with a wine tasting.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Beaune
Located at the Porte Marie de Bourgogne, this museum houses collections of sculptures from the 12th to the early 20th century, Flemish paintings and lithographs by great artists such as Pablo Picasso and Fernand Léger.
- Wine tasting
Beaune is famous for its wines. Take advantage of the rain to visit the region's many wineries and wine estates and take part in wine tastings.
What to do in Beaune with your family?
Beaune offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. Here are just a few suggestions for a fun-filled family outing:
- The Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune, a magnificent flamboyant Gothic building, is a must-see. Children will be fascinated by the polychrome roofs and collections of earthenware and pewter. Family-friendly guided tours are often available.
- The Musée du Vin de Bourgogne , with its interactive exhibits and aroma cellar, can be fun and educational for children. They can learn all about the region's winegrowing history and traditions.
- Take a ride on the little train to discover Beaune's landmarks and admire the vineyards. It's a fun activity for the whole family.
- The Parc de la Bouzaise is ideal for a family outing. It offers green spaces, children's play areas and hiking trails.
- La Moutarderie Fallot is a family-run business where you can discover the secrets of making Burgundy mustard. Children can take part in fun workshops and even make their own mustard.
What to see and do around Beaune
The area around Beaune offers many attractions and sites to visit. Here are a few suggestions for discovering the region:
- Château de la Rochepot, a medieval castle located some fifteen kilometers from Beaune, offers breathtaking views over the Burgundy countryside. You can explore the château's towers, ramparts and gardens.
- Visit charming wine villages such as Pommard, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Volnay. These villages are famous for their wines and offer beautiful walks through the vineyards.
- Located around twenty-five kilometers from Beaune, the Cistercian abbey of Cîteaux is one of the oldest and most important in France. You can visit the historic buildings and discover the history of the Cistercian order.
- The Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune houses an impressive collection of racing cars, fighter planes and motorcycles. It's an ideal place for lovers of mechanics and history.
These suggestions will help you discover the cultural, historical and natural wealth of the Beaune area.
