Besides being the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune has a number of other great reasons to a visit. This lovely medieval town with its cobbled winding streets is a feast for the eyes and senses. There is much to pack into a day’s visit here during your travels with us at European Waterways.
Tour Guides aboard our Burgundy barge cruises offer some local insight and tips into what to see and do there, with some real insider recommendations to make the most of your time in Beaune.
The Hospices de Beaune, located in its very centre, is a must-visit when in town. Its history is truly unique, and a guided visit well worth taking the time for. The sheer splendour of the coloured tiled roof, painted interiors and especially the bed set-up will leave you in awe. Also known as the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, it has played host for over 150 years to its own wine auction, held each year on the 3rd Sunday of November.
Did you know that when the Hospices was opened, it came with its very own vineyards? These have been added to since the 15th century through donations. Today the Hospices de Beaune’s wine estate of mainly premier and grand crus covers 24 ha (60 acres). The money raised from the auction goes to charity. In 2023, over 23 million was raised!
If you happen to visit Beaune on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can enjoy a little morning market in the square in front of the Hospices de Beaune. A chance to nibble some olives or pates, peruse quality linens, even pick up a true French classic, the woven wicker shopping basket.
And speaking of shopping, Beaune hosts a large selection of small boutique shops. To meander the streets, browsing the window displays and stopping in those that catch your eye is a wonderful way to enjoy the town.
Tour Guide’s Tip: Famous amongst chefs worldwide is the Cooks Atelier, a French cooking school and culinary boutique. Even if you can barely boil an egg, the shop is a feast for the senses with its copper pots, beautiful tools and great gadgets you never knew you needed.
Or, if you are a lover of wine maps, then Athenaeum is the place to hide yourself away in. This multi-room boutique hosts a book shop (with a wide selection of wine books), large wine accessory section, and at its centre maps of all areas of France showcasing the wine regions as well as grape varieties and more. This is also the perfect shop for those people who are hard to buy for!
As Beaune is the wine capital of Burgundy, there is certainly a wonderful selection of wine shops.
Tour Guide’s tip: Head to Fromagerie Alain Hess. Not only does it sell an amazing array of wines, from Burgundy and all over France. But the shop is also a one stop shop, offering the most amazing choice of cheeses to go with your wine. And then you can round it out with some charcuterie for the perfect French-style picnic.
When considering French foods, we must include French mustard, and Beaune hosts the last independent family run mill in Burgundy called Fallot. In the heart of the town, you can visit and tour, or simply seek out their latest flavours in their boutique and enjoy a taste at the mustard bar. Favourites amongst the guides are Cassis and Tarragon.
Tour Guide’s Tip: During the supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, most of French mustard’s seeds were being grown in Canada. Suddenly France was almost out of mustard! Quelle horreur! It was Fallot to the rescue, as they were the only mustard house still growing its seeds in France.
If you prefer to be more outside than in, then Beaune is the perfect place for La Promenade. The town centre is walled, and you can wander the ramparts on a 2.3km (1 mile) loop walk. Built in 1637 as protection for the town during the Thirty Years’ War, it was transformed into La Promenade by the Mayor in 1765.
The walk is tranquil, shaded and a real contrast to the bustling town. Along the way you will pass various towers, bastions and huge entryway arches. The ramparts delineate the town centre and are what makes Beaune such an easy place to wander through. In its midst you will find many cobbled streets and buildings from the medieval and Renaissance time periods, with the odd nod to modernity.
If meandering, shopping or promenading has left you in need of a rest and refreshment, then it is the perfect time to find a little outside bistro table, order a beverage, sit and watch life stream by. There are cafés dotted throughout the centre, but if you wish to be spoilt for choice, head to Place Carnot. This lovely lively square is surrounded by eateries and bars.
Tour Guide’s Tip: if you see cutlery on the table, the tables are reserved for those who wish to eat. If all you wish is a coffee or glass of wine, look for bare tables or ask if you can sit. Most servers here will speak some English.
A trip to Beaune simply must include a visit and tasting at a winery. If you are cruising with European Waterways, you will sample the best in the region. Cruise aboard the 8-passenger Finesse and you will discover Maison Champy, the oldest winery in the town, founded in 1720. If you are cruising aboard the 12-passenger L’Impressioniste, a visit to Domaine Chanson showcases a truly unique tower wine cellar. Guests aboard will enjoy a private tour, tasting and lunch as part of your visit to the magical town that is Beaune.
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