Beaune brings together the Climats of Burgundy, medieval architecture, wine experiences and routes through the countryside. You can tailor your stay to different interests: the town offers both historic sights and interactive introductions to wine and mustard. When planning, it helps to distinguish between these highlights and choose the activities you want to visit.
Experience the Climats and wine in different ways
At the Porte Marie de Bourgogne, the Maison des Climats introduces visitors to the Climats, which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The 170 m² interactive venue offers a themed introduction to the wine-growing region. The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne offers a different focus: its immersive, multisensory audio-guided tour ends with a tasting. Alongside learning about the Climats, visitors can enjoy an experience that combines wine knowledge with a sample.
The Cité also offers a multisensory tour for children about the history of winegrowing in Burgundy. The freely accessible panoramic terrace is 20 metres above ground and offers views of the Côte de Beaune. If you plan to visit these attractions, check the latest visiting and access conditions, as formats and access arrangements may change.
The Hospices and Gothic architecture
The Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune is a visitor attraction in the centre of Beaune. For another perspective on the town’s historic heritage, visit the Collégiale Notre-Dame: it dates mostly from the 13th century, was enhanced with Gothic features and has a Renaissance bell tower. Its architectural history spans several periods rather than a single style.
The choir’s furnishings also make their own impression. It contains a 12th-century Black Madonna and 15th-century tapestries from Tournai. The tapestries depict scenes from the life of Mary. Together, the building and its furnishings offer two different perspectives: the development of architecture and individual works of art, each with its own history. Access conditions at visitor attractions may change, so check the latest visitor information in advance.
Mustard, tastings and a November event
La Moutarderie Fallot dedicates an interactive tour to mustard-making techniques, traditions and history. The experience also includes making and tasting mustard. This local product complements the wine-related activities with a different subject and another tasting.
A recurring event is the Vente des Vins des Hospices de Beaune. It takes place every year on the third Sunday in November. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the programme for the relevant year before making arrangements.
Cycling routes, a walking tour and a park
The Voie des Vignes connects Beaune with Santenay, runs from Santenay to Nolay, and connects Beaune with Dijon. In total, it comprises more than 80 kilometres of cycle paths and is open to walkers and cyclists. Its character combines wine tourism, the discovery of heritage and landscapes, and sporting activities. The route network therefore suits different interests, without everyone needing to focus on the same thing.
The Tour des Remparts offers a different route: its circular walk is 2.5 kilometres long, freely accessible and can be started at numerous points in Beaune. Parc de la Bouzaize adds a green space to the routes. The five-hectare park is located at the source of the Bouzaize; you can go boating on its lake.
For help finding your way by bike, Beaune’s Accueil Vélo-certified tourist office provides bicycle repair equipment and guides to cycling routes. As the availability of these services should be confirmed before your trip, it is best to enquire in good time. This makes it easier to weigh up options for culture, tastings and outdoor activities according to your interests, without having to plan your whole trip around a single activity.
Discover more destinations: Auxey-Duresses, Corcelles-Les-Arts, Chailly-sur-Armançon, Montigny-Sur-Aube, Flagey-Échézeaux, Saint-Seine-L'abbaye, Corberon, Curtil-Vergy.
For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.
