BEAUNE
Beaune is the historical heart of Burgundy, a region synonymous with the world’s most revered Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is a land of prestigious vineyards, medieval charm, and gastronomic excellence.
This region is the birthplace of world-class wine, where grand architecture meets rolling hills of vines. It is a land of iconic sights, from the Hospices de Beaune to the prestigious Route des Grands Crus.
Most Popular Attractions
Beaune City Core:
Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu): An iconic, brightly-tiled 15th-century charity hospital and museum, famous for its annual wine auction.
Musée du Vin de Bourgogne (Wine Museum): Housed in the former residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, detailing the history and culture of Burgundy wine.
Basilique Notre-Dame: A beautiful Romanesque basilica with a notable collection of 15th-century tapestries.
Remparts de Beaune (City Walls): Walk along the well-preserved medieval ramparts and towers that encircle the historic center.
La Moutarderie Fallot: A traditional mustard factory offering tours and tastings of authentic Burgundy mustard.
Cave des Vignerons de Beaune: A large cooperative cellar where you can sample wines from many local producers.
Place de la Halle: The central square in front of the Hospices, bustling with markets, cafes, and wine shops.
The Beffroi (Belfry): A historic tower in the city center offering a glimpse into the city’s past.
Côte de Beaune Wine Villages & Châteaux:
Château de Meursault: A grand estate offering extensive cellar tours and tastings of their famous white wines.
Domaine des Hospices de Beaune: The winery associated with the Hôtel-Dieu, where their renowned cuvées are made.
Village of Meursault: A beautiful village, the heart of the Côte de Beaune’s best white wines, with charming stone houses.
Village of Puligny-Montrachet: Home to the world-famous Montrachet Grand Cru vineyard, known for its exceptional Chardonnay.
Village of Pommard: Famous for its robust, long-lived Pinot Noir red wines and picturesque vineyards.
Château de La Rochepot: A stunning medieval castle with colorful tiled roofs, dramatically perched on a hill.
Château de Santenay: A historic château with a magnificent tiled roof, offering tastings and a look at its winemaking history.
Corton Hill (Colline de Corton): The only hill in Burgundy where a Grand Cru can produce both red (Corton) and white (Corton-Charlemagne) wines.
Village of Pernand-Vergelesses: A quieter village nestled on the hillside, producing elegant red and white wines.
Village of Aloxe-Corton: Located at the base of Corton Hill, surrounded by Grand Cru vineyards.
Les Climats de Bourgogne: The entire vineyard landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique combination of plots and terroir.
Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune: An impressive estate with a unique collection of vintage aircraft, motorcycles, and fire engines.
Côte de Nuits Villages & Grands Crus (North of Beaune):
Château du Clos de Vougeot: A historic Cistercian cellar and winery, the spiritual home of Burgundy wine and the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.
Village of Nuits-Saint-Georges: The town that gives the northern part of the Côte d’Or its name, known for powerful red wines.
Village of Vosne-Romanée: A tiny, legendary village that holds some of the world’s most expensive vineyards, including Romanée-Conti.
Village of Gevrey-Chambertin: Known as the “King of Burgundy,” producing full-bodied, long-lived red wines.
Route des Grands Crus: The main road that travels through all the iconic wine villages, marked by signposts.
Musée de l’Archéologie (Dijon): Located nearby in the capital of Burgundy, featuring artifacts from the region’s Gallo-Roman past.
Village of Morey-Saint-Denis: A small village producing excellent, complex Pinot Noir wines from its Grand Cru vineyards.
Village of Chambolle-Musigny: Known for producing the most delicate and perfumed Pinot Noir wines.
Le Cassissium (Nuits-Saint-Georges): A museum dedicated to the blackcurrant, a local specialty used to make the famous Crème de Cassis.
Country & Historical Sites (Wider Burgundy):
Abbaye de Cîteaux: The birthplace of the Cistercian order, an important historical and spiritual site near the wine route.
Canal de Bourgogne: A picturesque canal offering scenic walks, bike rides, and boat tours through the countryside.
Château de Commarin: A stunning château still owned by the same family, surrounded by a moat.
Château de Bussy-Rabutin: A beautifully furnished château with notable historical significance and gardens.
The Morvan Regional Natural Park: A short drive away, offering forests, lakes, and hiking trails for nature enthusiasts.
Activities & Experiences
Cycle the Route des Grands Crus: Rent a bike and cycle along the designated vineyard paths that connect the most prestigious wine villages, such as Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet.
Take a Wine Tasting Masterclass: Enroll in a formal tasting class in Beaune to learn the nuances of Burgundy’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, focusing on concepts like terroir and the different crus.
Explore the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu): Visit this magnificent 15th-century former charity hospital, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a famous patterned roof and home to Van der Weyden’s altarpiece.
Hike the Slopes of the Hautes-Côtes: Escape the main valley to the beautiful, forested hills just west of the famous vineyards for scenic hiking trails and views over the prestigious vineyards.
Tour a Traditional Cave (Wine Cellar): Descend into the deep, historic cellars beneath the town or a local domain to learn about the wine-making process and sample vintages directly from the barrel.
Shop at the Saturday Morning Market: Immerse yourself in local life at Beaune’s vibrant market, held every Saturday, where you can buy regional specialties like mustard, pain d’épices, and cheeses.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: See the geometric patterns of the vineyards, the villages, and the Côte d’Or from above with a sunrise or sunset balloon flight.
Dine at a Traditional Bouchon or Cave à Manger: Experience authentic regional cuisine at a small, unpretentious restaurant or a wine bar that offers small plates for dinner.
Visit the Cassissium in Nuits-Saint-Georges: Drive north to learn about and taste cassis (blackcurrant), the key ingredient in the famous regional drink, Kir.
Attend the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction (Mid-November): If visiting in November, witness the world’s most famous charity wine auction, which sets the price for the vintage.
Drive the Scenic Route to Vézelay: Take a longer day trip to the west to see the magnificent Vézelay Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major starting point on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.
Take a Mustard Workshop: Visit a traditional moutarderie (mustard factory) in nearby Dijon or Beaune to learn how the famous Burgundy mustard is made and even create your own flavored blend.
Local Tips & Transport
Cycling the Vineyards: Beaune is supremely bike-friendly. Numerous rental shops offer high-quality bikes, and the flat, well-marked Route des Grands Crus is an ideal way to travel between the wine villages. Always check cellar opening times, as some require appointments.
Car is Essential for the Côte d’Or: While Beaune’s center is walkable, a car gives you the freedom to explore the villages of the Côte de Nuits (north of Beaune), the smaller family domains, and the beautiful countryside. Parking is available in public lots outside the main city walls.
Local Trains and Buses: The regional train (TER) connects Beaune to Dijon (the regional capital) and other major towns quickly. Local bus services are available but generally infrequent and best for connecting smaller villages, so check schedules far in advance.
From Dijon: Dijon-Bourgogne Airport (DIJ) is small, so most international visitors arrive via TGV high-speed train to Dijon-Ville or directly to Beaune from Paris or Lyon.
Wine Etiquette: Terroir and Climats: In Burgundy, wine is a serious topic. Always refer to the area’s wine-growing plots as climats (UNESCO-listed) rather than just vineyards. The concept of terroir—that the climate, soil, and human know-how of a specific plot define the wine—is central to the culture. Don’t be afraid to ask a vigneron (winemaker) about the specific climat a wine comes from.
Booking Tastings (Dégustations): Unlike some regions, many smaller domains in Burgundy require an appointment for a tasting. It’s best to call or email a few days ahead, especially for smaller family-run operations, to ensure they have time for you.
The Burgundian Meal: Lunch is often the most important meal, especially for winemakers. Dining out is typically a more relaxed and lengthy affair. Don’t rush. Specialties to try include Bœuf Bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine), Escargots de Bourgogne (snails in garlic butter), and Gougères (cheese puffs).
Hidden Gems:
Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune: An unusual château that houses a large, eclectic collection of historical artifacts, including Abarth racing cars, old airplanes, and firefighting equipment—a quirky break from wine tasting.
Abbaye de Cîteaux: The birthplace of the Cistercian monastic order. You can buy delicious artisanal cheese made by the monks themselves at the on-site store.
Meursault’s Bell Tower: Climb the bell tower in the heart of the picturesque village of Meursault for a stunning, intimate view of the surrounding grand cru vineyards.
The Halles of Dijon: While a short train ride away, the main covered market in Dijon, designed by Gustave Eiffel, is a must-see for food lovers, especially on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Language: While English is spoken in the main tourist caves and hotels, learning some basic French is highly appreciated. Bonjour (hello), Merci (thank you), and Au revoir (goodbye) go a long way. If you try to speak French, locals will often be more welcoming.
Top Restaurants
Ma Cuisine [$40-$70] – A legendary and tiny classic bistro in Beaune serving traditional Burgundian dishes like bœuf bourguignon and escargots with an exceptionally deep, yet pricey, wine list. Reservations are essential.
Le Bistrot du Bord de l’Eau [$35-$60] – Located in Levernois (just outside Beaune), this is a local favorite offering good value and classic dishes like duck breast in a vermouth reduction sauce.
La Ciboulette [$30-$50] – A long-standing, charming spot in Beaune known as a benchmark for excellent œufs en meurette (poached eggs in a rich red wine sauce) and other well-prepared regional dishes.
Caveau des Arches [$40-$70] – A renowned restaurant in Beaune offering elevated set menus featuring delicious Burgundy dishes and a selection of local wines in a traditional setting.
Le Bistro des Cocottes [$30-$50] – A lively, unpretentious gem on the Place Madeleine in Beaune, popular with locals and tourists for classic Burgundian dishes at reasonable prices.
Le Chambolle-Musigny Restaurant [$30-$50] – Found in the village of Chambolle-Musigny, this spot offers cheap, cheerful, and very well-cooked local food, a favorite with those seeking honest regional fare.
Bistrot Lucien [$40-$70] – Located in Gevrey-Chambertin, this has become a popular spot in the northern Côte de Nuits for fresh, innovative food alongside Burgundian favorites.
La Cabotte [$45-$75] – An intimate spot in nearby Nuits-Saint-Georges, a favorite of local winemakers for traditional fare like jambon persillé and contemporary takes on veal sweetbreads.
Le Bistrot Bourguignon [$35-$55] – A popular wine bar and bistro in the center of Beaune offering classic Burgundian dishes like snails and bœuf bourguignon in a friendly, convivial atmosphere.
La Table du Square [$45-$75] – Known for its excellent, loyal local customer base, this Beaune restaurant is popular for its focus on fresh, seasonal, farm-to-table dining and natural wines.
Caves Madeleine [$45-$70] – A cozy restaurant and wine shop in Beaune offering a stylishly plated contemporary menu with farm-fresh, seasonal dishes. Great for price/quality on their lunch menu.
La Lune [$50-$80] – A small, highly acclaimed spot in Beaune with only 20 seats, known for its exceptional French-Japanese fusion cuisine and expertly curated wine list. Reservations are essential.
Soul Kitchen [$50-$80] – A charming and intimate 5-table restaurant in Beaune, where the chef creates and serves a fantastic, frequently changing daily menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
21 Boulevard [$60-$90] – An elegant and sophisticated restaurant in a stunning 19th-century mansion in Beaune, offering satisfying interpretations of classic dishes with an excellent wine list.
Le Cheval Noir [$60-$90] – Located in Beaune, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience with innovative seasonal cuisine and expertly paired wines.
L’ardoise [$45-$70] – A charming bistro in Beaune known for its romantic atmosphere and Burgundy-region recipes paired with local wines, offering a more contemporary bistro feel.
L’Alentour [$50-$80] – A modern cuisine restaurant in Beaune with a sleek interior that provides a high level of cooking and a contemporary atmosphere.
Loiseau des Vignes [$70-$100] – Located in Beaune, this restaurant offers a delightful experience with contemporary Burgundian flavors and is part of the famed Bernard Loiseau group.
Le 428 [$50-$75] – Located in Savigny-lès-Beaune, this restaurant offers creative, modern cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Garum [$50-$80] – Located in the heart of Beaune in an ancient bourgeois house, this spot offers a chic and contemporary atmosphere with a modern French menu.
Maison Lameloise [$150-$300+] – A legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chagny (south of Beaune), offering exceptional, modern gastronomy in a long-standing family tradition.
Clos du Cèdre [$120-$200+] – A Michelin-starred Mecca of gastronomy in Beaune, nestled in a magnificent 19th-century mansion, featuring cuisine that highlights local products and evolves with the seasons.
Le Carmin [$100-$180] – A sanctuary of modern gastronomy in the heart of Beaune, with a refined, season-driven cuisine that is high-quality and ingredient-focused. One Michelin star.
La Table de Levernois [$100-$180] – The Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant at Hostellerie de Levernois (just outside Beaune), known for its high-quality cooking and elegant setting.
Le Benaton [$90-$160] – A renowned one-Michelin-starred restaurant in Beaune, offering contemporary Burgundian cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
COMO Le Montrachet Restaurant [$100-$180] – Located in Puligny-Montrachet, this is an elegant and upscale experience with exceptional food and an incredible wine list, perfect for a special occasion.
Ed.Em [$80-$140] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located in Chassagne-Montrachet, offering refined and elegant modern cuisine.
Ermitage de Corton [$80-$140] – Located in Chorey-lès-Beaune, this one-Michelin-starred restaurant offers modern cuisine in a charming setting.
Le Charlemagne [$80-$140] – Located in Pernand-Vergelesses, this one-Michelin-starred restaurant offers creative and inventive cuisine focusing on the region.
Auprès du Clocher [$80-$140] – A one-Michelin-starred restaurant in Pommard offering modern cuisine in a beautiful setting.
La Maison du Colombier [$30-$60] – A casual gastro-bar and wine bar in Beaune run by a former Michelin-starred chef, offering a cozy ambiance, light meals like charcuterie, and one of the most extensive wine lists in the area.
La Dilettante [$25-$45] – A laid-back wine bar in Beaune, specializing in small bites (charcuterie, cheese) and natural wines, perfect for a casual drink and nibble.
La Table de Guigone [$25-$40] – Nestled near the heart of Beaune, this spot offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with a seasonal menu showcasing fresh, local ingredients, popular for its excellent lunch formula.
La Ferme de La Ruchotte [$80-$120] – A true farm-to-table experience near Beaune (in Bligny-sur-Ouche), where Chef Frédéric Ménager raises his own animals and grows his own vegetables, offering a unique set-menu experience. Booking well in advance is essential.
TOMA Bar à Vin & Food [$25-$45] – A lively wine bar and food spot in Beaune, offering modern small plates and an excellent selection of wines by the glass.
La Cuverie de Vosne-Romanée [$30-$50] – Located in the tiny village of Vosne-Romanée (Côte de Nuits), this is one of the only places to dine in the village, offering a tapas-style wine bar experience.
Le Soleil [$25-$45] – Located in Savigny-lès-Beaune, this spot is all about small bites and natural wines in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Le Montrachet – Le Bistro d’Olivier [$35-$60] – The more casual bistro option at the COMO Le Montrachet hotel in Puligny-Montrachet, offering excellent food and wines in a relaxed setting.
Bistrot de l’Hôtel [$40-$70] – An elegant bistro located in the heart of Beaune, offering classic Burgundian cuisine just steps from the Hospices de Beaune.
L’Ouillette [$30-$50] – A restaurant in Santenay (south of Beaune) offering modern cuisine that focuses on local products.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The American Bar (L’Hôtel de Beaune): A luxurious bar with a separate entrance from the high-end hotel in Beaune’s center. It pays tribute to the speakeasy style with an elegant setting and offers an exceptional menu of classic and innovative cocktails and premium spirits.
Bambou Cocktails Club: Found just outside the historic center of Beaune, this dedicated cocktail spot offers a lively, air-conditioned space with a garden and terrace, known for its creative cocktails and energetic atmosphere.
Bar Lounge (Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa): Located in a prestigious hotel on Boulevard Maréchal Foch in Beaune, this refined lounge bar offers a relaxing, chic setting perfect for an evening aperitif or post-dinner drink, often featuring an “Afterwork” event on Fridays.
Slanted Door (Maison 1896): Situated in the city center of Beaune, this establishment is highly praised for having arguably the best cocktail program in town, focusing on perfectly executed classics like martinis and Old Fashioneds, making it a great pre-dinner spot.
Publican: Don’t let the pub-like appearance on Rue Maufoux in Beaune fool you; this late-night spot has one of the best wine lists and is a reliable choice for cold pints, combined with a convivial, energetic vibe and a small outdoor terrace.
21 Boulevard: Located on Boulevard Saint Jacques on the outside ring of Beaune, this very classy and chic restaurant also serves as an excellent wine bar, with fine quality food and an impressive wine list in a beautiful setting.
Le Bout du Monde: A late-night hotspot in Beaune with cozy stone walls and ample couch seating. While a renowned wine bar with over 1,500 references, including Champagne, its late closing time (up to 2 am) makes it a perfect, intimate place to end the evening.
Pickwick’s Pub: An English-style pub located on Rue Notre-Dame in Beaune, offering an alternative to the wine bars with a focus on ales and a more casual atmosphere.
TOMA Bar à Vin & Food: Situated on Place Carnot, one of Beaune’s central squares, this wine bar and restaurant offers a great selection of food and wine by the glass in a bustling, central location.
La Maison du Colombier: A chic gastro-bar located in Beaune’s city center near the Notre-Dame church, offering an extensive, Burgundy-heavy wine list and a cozy ambiance. Its terrace overlooking the square is highly sought after.
Le Bistrot Bourguignon: The oldest wine bar in Beaune, established in 1985 on Rue Monge. It provides a friendly atmosphere and is a classic choice for wine by the glass and simple bistro cuisine.
Crème: A coffee-meets-wine joint that is a popular local haunt in Beaune. It transitions from serving coffee and brunch to wine bar mode in the evening, known for a friendly, convivial ambiance where you might rub shoulders with local winemakers.
La Dilettante: A laid-back and affordable wine shop/bar on Rue du Faubourg Bretonnière in Beaune, known for its great selection of both traditional and natural wines in a casual setting.
Caves Madeleine: Found on Rue du Faubourg Madeleine in Beaune, this wine bar is known for its winning formula featuring a large communal table next to the wine shelves and a strong focus on interesting French and Burgundy wines.
La Table du Square: Located on Boulevard Maréchal Foch, this spot evolved from a funky bar to a wine bar and restaurant, retaining its prodigious, bargain-filled wine list and laid-back vibe.
Bar Les Accords (Cité des Climats et des Vins de Bourgogne): Located just outside the historic center in the new wine complex, this bistro/wine bar offers a modern setting to explore Burgundy wines and enjoy light fare.
Q Bistrot Beaune: A bistro and wine bar located in Beaune, providing another option for good food and a wide selection of Burgundy wines in a relaxed setting.
Le 428 / Hôtel L’Ouvrée: A restaurant and bar located in Savigny-lès-Beaune, just outside Beaune. It offers a sophisticated atmosphere in the heart of a charming wine village.
Olivier Leflaive – Le Bistro d’Olivier: A well-regarded bistro in Puligny-Montrachet (south of Beaune), offering an excellent wine selection by the glass and a lively atmosphere in one of the Côte de Beaune’s most prestigious villages.
La Cuverie de Vosne: Situated in Vosne-Romanée (north of Beaune, in the Côte de Nuits), this wine bar is perfect for those visiting the prestigious Vosne vineyards, offering an excellent opportunity to taste local wines in a classic setting.
Le Raisin de Bourgogne: Known as one of the best places in Beaune for late-night entertainment, this spot on Route de Dijon is where locals head to hear jazz and rock music and socialize until the late hours.
L’Excelsior: Often described as a local late-night bar in Beaune, offering a relaxed environment for drinks and conversation extending past typical dinner hours.
La Cave du Bareuzai: A centrally located bistro and wine bar in Beaune that offers a lively late-night atmosphere, often favored by locals for its robust wine offerings and convivial spirit.
Le Bistrot de l’Hôtel de la Poste: While primarily a historic restaurant and hotel in Beaune, its bar area can offer a more formal, late-night atmosphere for drinks.
Le Comptoir des Tontons: This restaurant, take-away wine shop, and fine grocery in Beaune on Rue du Faubourg Madeleine is known for its fantastic selection of natural wines and offers a welcoming, local spot for a final glass of wine.