Things to do in  Beaune

Yes, Bayeux is worth visiting. It’s the capital of the Burgundy wine region, for one. The phrase “good things come in small packages” applies here. With a compact, historical center of half-timber buildings and elaborate tiled roofs, Beaune looks sprung from the pages of a fairytale.

Beaune and wine go hand in hand. Burgundy is one of France’s most famous wine-growing regions, and Beaune is the leaping-off point for all manner of vineyard tours and tastings. It also has a notable 15th-century hospital that served the region for hundreds of years.

It depends on your preference. Dijon is larger than Beaune, with about eight times the population. It’s a pretty city with architecture ranging from Gothic to art deco, and comes with the bigger city amenities you’d expect. Beaune is much more laid-back and easy to explore without a car.

If you’re staying in town, travel on foot. The slow pace of life in Beaune reigns supreme, so take your time and explore the historic, cobbled streets. To visit the nearby vineyards, book a tour with a private driver. You won’t want to hold back on the wine tastings.

Beaune is the unofficial capital of the Burgundy region, so Burgundy wines of world renown are grown here. Chardonnay is one of the main white wines produced in the region, and much of the red is pinot noir. The Burgundy wine region stretches almost 200 miles (320 kilometers).

The hotels in Beaune scream character. There are many options in the historic old town, where you can stay in 17th-century townhouses, upscale manors with garden courtyards, or even châteaux, all with a choice of wine cellars at your fingertips. Five-star Hôtel Le Cep is one of the best.