17 Attractions and Activities to Do in Beaune, France
Looking for some Activities to add to your Beaune, France itinerary? There are plenty of things to do, depending on your time and budget. In this article, European travel enthusiast Emma Braby shares her favorite things to do during your next trip to Beaune, france.
Last updated: April 12, 2024
12 min read
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Beaune is one of France’s hidden gems. It rarely features in the top things to do in the country, but it should be on everyone’s bucket list. I accidentally came across this little postcard-perfect town on a road trip from Geneva, Switzerland, back to Paris. I stopped off for the night, and when I googled things to do near me, I discovered this town full of beautiful buildings and wine tastings galore.
Beaune is in the historical region of Burgundy, east-central France, and in the Côte-d’Or department. Burgundy is famous for its many local Burgundy wines, as well as Chablis, Chardonnays, and Beaujolais. The capital of Burgundy is Dijon, renowned for its mustard, which is only a 30-minute train journey from Beaune. To the south of Beaune is the gastronomical city of Lyon.
Beaune is considered the French capital city of wine, and this is just one of the many reasons to visit. The Hospices de Beaune is the star of the show, but there’s a lot more to this town than this colored-tiled building. With plenty of wine-tasting opportunities, flamboyantly tiled buildings, and welcoming locals, it’s a feast for all the senses. Here is my complete guide to the beautiful town of Beaune.
Hospices de Beaune
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Spring and Summer (April to September)
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History Enthusiasts, Art Lovers, Wine Connoisseurs, Cultural Explorers, Architecture Admirers
The Hospices de Beaune, also known as Hotel-Dieu Museum, is the emblem of Beaune. It is a former hospital founded by the then chancellor of Duke of Burgandy, Nicholas Rolin. Built during the mid-15th century, it’s astonishing that this grand building was once a hospital for the poor and disadvantaged. The “Palace for the Poor” remained operational until the late 20th century and is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hospices de Beaune was a charitable foundation that received donations from rich families and beneficiaries. They donated vineyards, land, artwork, and large sums of money. Hospices de Beaune has a rich wine-making history and still maintains more than 60 hectares of vineyards. They hold a world-famous wine auction every year, which is the next attraction on my list.
Enter the timber-framed main hall, known as the “Room of the Poor,” which is gilded with gold decor, and take in the intricate design and individual-curtained rest booths. The Chapel is at the end of the ward, home to the stunning “Beaune Altarpiece.” Take your time to wander through the buildings and admire the elaborate furniture, precious paintings, tapestries, and other beautiful artwork.
The central courtyard is where you can enjoy the magic of this architectural masterpiece. The roofs are covered with the famous dazzling glazed tiles, placed to create an intricate design with yellow, green, red, and black hues. The remarkable tiles alone are worth the small entrance fee. The audio guide is one of the most impressive I’ve listened to, so be sure to take advantage of it.
Hospices de Beaune Annual Wine Auction Weekend
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Third Sunday of November
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Wine Connoisseurs, Auction Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Lovers of Burgundian Wine Heritage
If you’re lucky enough to be in Beaune on the third Sunday in November, you might be able to grab a ticket for one of the many wine-tasting events held around the town and nearby region. The wine auction itself, one of the finest in the world, Vente aux Encheres, is held in Hospices de Beaune and is reserved for professionals only. In 2022, their 162nd auction raised almost 30 million euros, a world record for a charity wine auction.
However, this unique weekend hosts plenty of other events, and the atmosphere is special, not only because wine is involved! Most of the underground wine cellars and vineyard estates hold special wine-tasting and gala events. These tickets go on sale sometime in September, so be sure to check these websites out.
Even if you can’t get hold of a ticket, there’s plenty to do, and the people of Beaune know how to throw a party. The spectacular food market spreads across the town for three days, offering local wines and hearty food. Traditional folk bands parade around, to which everyone dances. Place Madeleine hosts a jovial funfair with stalls, too, which is fun for the whole family.
Maison des Climats
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Wine-Tasting Seasons
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Wine Enthusiasts, History Buffs, Cultural Explorers, Oenophiles, Photography Aficionados
Maison des Climats is a newly refurbished futuristic-style building offering a great overview of the Burgundy region, its climates, and the importance of winemaking. On entry, you are given a tablet that provides visitors with augmented reality content, bringing Burgundy and its vineyards to life. It’s essential to take the tablet, unlike my partner, who was sure he didn’t need it. But without it, you miss half the show.
It is free to enter, and access is via the Beaune Tourist Office, making it a top spot to visit first. Here, you can get a quick but concise overview of the area you’ve come to see while getting some up-to-date information about current events during your stay. It’s open daily from 9.30 am until 4.30 pm, except for an hour-and-a-half lunch break.
Notre Dame de Beaune
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Year-Round
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History Buffs, Architecture Enthusiasts, Wine Lovers, Cultural Explorers, Religious Pilgrims
The Basilica of Our Lady, also known as the Notre Dame de Beaune, is one of the greatest Romanesque churches in Burgandy. This historical monument is Cluniac-inspired and dates back to the 13th century. It also has an impressive Rennaisance bell tower that chimes throughout the day. It’s just a five-minute walk from Hospices de Beaune and free to enter.
Inside, you can appreciate the intricate woodwork and vivid stained glass windows. One of the most celebrated pieces is the 12th-century statue of Black Madonna. This church is most famous for its 15th-century Tournai tapestries, which require a small admission fee to view. The beautiful architecture is even more enjoyable, thanks to the tranquil atmosphere away from the tourist crowd.
Musee du Vin
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Year-Round
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Wine Connoisseurs, Oenophiles, Cultural Explorers, History Buffs, Enthusiasts of Viticulture
If you enjoyed Maison des Climats but feel you want something a little meatier and more informative, Musee du Vin is a great museum to visit. The Museum of Wine takes you through the detailed history of regional wine-making. Most of the museum and signs are French, but the significant posts contain an English translation. It is simple to follow, and the staff are extremely helpful, too.
I enjoyed how the museum chronologically takes you through the region’s history, showing how wine-making has advanced. The living museum displays old agricultural equipment that was used to make wine. This museum highlights the progress, which is starkly different from the robots in Veuve Ambal. With lots of images, artwork, and interactive exhibitions throughout, it’s easy to keep children entertained, too.
Wine Tour
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Harvest Season (Late Summer to Early Fall)
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Wine Connoisseurs, Oenophiles, Vineyard Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Romantic Couples
You can’t come to the French capital city of wine and not take a wine tour, right? You have never been more spoilt for choice than in Beaune. So, how do you pick one? Why not choose a fancy name you’ve heard of and splash your cash? Or maybe you had a wine on a special occasion, such as your engagement? Perhaps you’re on a budget and need value for money but still want a superb option. There are so many to choose from.
My favorite wine tour was with Domaine Baptiste Guyot, which I chose because of its proximity to the town. It is right next to Parc de la Bouzaize and sits between the town and the countryside. Given its location in the town, I thought it might be unauthentic. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
This family-run business is based in the former rustic farm of Abbey Saint Martin. Open every day except for Sunday, and you are welcome to explore the vineyards and cellar with the owner, who is passionate and knowledgeable. Then, for the best part, sample the fantastic wines. The grapes include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Aligote. The vineyards operate under the High Environment Value (HVE) label, highlighting their commitment to sustainable practices.
Other highly rated wine tours include Patriache Pere and Fils, Maison Joseph Drouhin, La Cave de l’Ange Gardien, Olivier Leflaive, Maison Louis Jadot, and Chateau de Pommard which is also on this list. Most wine tours require you to book in advance, so be sure to check them out beforehand. Some offer a transportation service from Beaune, which might require an extra fee, so consider this, too. Whatever you choose, a wine tour in the wine capital of France will be an unforgettable experience!
Parc de la Bouzaize
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Spring and Summer (April to September)
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Nature Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Picnickers, Birdwatchers, Family Visitors, Joggers
This idyllic park in Beaune is one of the locals’ favorite spots, and it’s only a 15-minute walk northwest of the Hospices de Beaune. The walk takes you along the canal path and is a pleasant route. The park is wheelchair-friendly thanks to the well-maintained, flat pathways lined with plenty of benches.
Pack a picnic and make the most of the luscious lawns and picnic benches. There are plenty of wooded areas offering cool shade in the summer heat. There’s also a cafe and regular ice cream stalls providing refreshments. The lake is clear, and there are almost always birds to watch and feed. And during the summer, you can hire rowboats, which is great fun for the whole family.
I only visited this park for an hour, but I wish I had a bit longer. The trickling water, lake-sweeping trees, and tranquil atmosphere gave me a romantic Giverny feel. With plenty of sculptures and playgrounds to enjoy, there’s something for everyone. A gate on the west side of the park leads to a vineyard, making for an amazing sunset stroll.
Place de la Halle
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Warmer Months (Spring to Fall)
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Wine Enthusiasts, History Buffs, Food Lovers, Cultural Explorers, Photography Aficionados
Like most places in France, there is a market hall in Beaune, and it’s a superb one. Les Halles was originally the property of the Dukes of Burgundy but now belongs to the town. After several renovations, this place is now home to the farmer’s market. This market takes place every Saturday from 7 am until 1 pm, although traders sometimes pack up early. Parts of the market are covered in the building itself, while other traders pitch outside in the square.
If you’re a foodie like me, this is a definite thing to do. Here, you’ll find a colorful and fragrant array of fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats, spices, pastries, honey, chocolate, and other local goods. If you can’t get to Dijon, you can find plenty of delicious mustards here. Stalls also offers fabrics and specialist knife makers from the Lagoile region.
One of the specialties of Burgundy is escargots, which, to you and me, is snails. You can buy them at the few charcuterie stalls, plain or stuffed with garlic butter. There are a few that cook them fresh to eat. I didn’t try them, but I wish I did. This is also a great place to pick up souvenirs, gifts, or a picnic for the local park.
Remparts de Beaune
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Spring to Fall (April to October)
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History Enthusiasts, Architecture Admirers, Wine Connoisseurs, Cultural Explorers
Beaune is one of the lucky towns in France that still has approximately half of its ancient walls intact and standing. They date back to 355 when invasions and instability tore through Europe. As you walk around the town, keep an eye out for the remparts as you visit the other attractions on this list. At night, they are beautifully lit.
If you’re a history fan, you can dedicate an afternoon to a self-guided tour with 17 points to discover. The best parts include Tour des Billes and Chateau de Beaune, watchtowers from the 14th and 15th centuries. And Bastion Saint Anne and Bastion Saint Martin are impressive, too. Alternatively, you can hire a tour guide who is sure to let you in on some historical secrets.
Chemins de Lumieres
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Holiday Seasons, Local Festivals and Events
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The town’s remparts are lit all year round. But from June to September, at Christmas, and other major events, the whole town is illuminated with a wonderful light show. Projections of lights trace the many buildings and their architecture and showcase the history of Beaune through performance.
The path of lights changes every year, with different themes, performances, and shows. But most of the buildings are the same. The Tourist Office provides an up-to-date schedule and an animation map. Some buildings I saw illuminated were Notre Dame, Hotel Dieu, and Musee du Vin, and they were spectacular.
Chateau de Savigny-les-Beaune
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Spring to Fall (April to October)
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Wine Enthusiasts, History Buffs, Art Lovers, Architecture Aficionados, Cultural Explorers
The Chateau de Savigny has an eventful history. This fortified castle was built in 1340 but dismantled in 1478 during the invasion by Louis XI. It was then purchased by a wealthy family who restored it, and, through marriage, passed through several different families. A winegrower purchased it in 1972, turning it into one of Frances’s most important motor vehicle and aircraft museums.
This is a must-see for motor vehicle lovers. It showcases a brilliant collection of Abarth racing cars, motorcycles, fire engines, tractors, models, and much more. This museum also dedicates a field to an authentic squadron of fighter planes and helicopters. For motorsport enthusiasts, the Foulee des Vendanges event in October hosts an autumnal race through the village’s vineyards.
Even if you aren’t an engineering aficionado, visitors have the freedom to wander around the estate and the vibrant green gardens filled with vibrant flowers. Many of the rooms in the chateau are open to the public, as are the luscious vineyards. On-site is the Little Chateau, where the restaurant and rooms for wine tasting live. It’s just a 10-minute drive northwest of Beaune and a great attraction for the whole family.
Chateau de Pommard
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Harvest Season (September to October)
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Wine Connoisseurs, Oenophiles, History Buffs, Architecture Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers
Chateau de Pommard is one of the region’s largest and oldest wine estates, established in 1726. The Chateau is made from pink limestone, providing a delicately charming appearance and fantastic photo op. Visitors are welcomed into the chateau for wine-tasting experiences and into the cellars. If you love Pinot Noir, it’s a must-see. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute drive southwest of Beaune.
Chateau de Pommard is an organic and biodynamic vineyard producing some of the finest wines in the region. I can personally recommend the “Clos Marey-Monge Tasting” tour, where you can taste and compare wines from their seven different plots, each with its own soil type and microclimate.
All of the tours are available in four languages, and the hosts are very knowledgeable and passionate. Afterward, you are welcome to wander through the vineyards, gardens, and local town. Depending on your schedule, you can visit quickly or make a day of it. Apart from the wine tasting, my favorite part of my afternoon was wandering through the additional lavender fields. Feeling the summer heat on my skin and momentarily being away from the hustle and bustle of Beaune was a welcome break.
La Maison du Colombier
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Spring and Summer (April to September)
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Wine Enthusiasts, Oenophiles, Culinary Explorers, Lovers of Burgundian Cuisine
If you’re looking for a fantastic tapas and wine bar, I highly recommend La Maison du Colombier. And not just for the incredible food and local wine selection. Head inside and discover a 16th-century medieval monument with oak beams, vaulted ceilings, and traditional Burgundy stone. The lower floor is home to the trendy yet cozy bar, and upstairs is a more formal restaurant offering imaginative French dishes.
In the warmer months, the seating spills onto the outside terrace. It sits directly opposite Notre Dame and provides a great place to soak in the Beaune atmosphere, and people watch. It is recognizable for its octagonal turret and unusual, often occupied, dove house. The staff are welcoming, and the jazz music makes for a relaxing moment. For a special treat, why not stay in one of the five apartments accessible only by the tower?
Veuve Ambal
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Harvest Season (September to October)
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Wine Connoisseurs, Sparkling Wine Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, History Buffs
Veuve Ambal is the place to visit if you love sparkling wine or are interested in the wine-making process. With its cutting-edge technology, this modern museum makes the process fun and enjoyable for the entire family. At the beginning of the tour, you are welcomed with a short film showing the story behind the bottle. You then get to see the people and robots in action.
For me, the highlight of my visit here was the guides. They were clearly passionate, engaging with the audience, having fun with the kiddos, and answering all questions knowledgeablely and enthusiastically. Plus, they spoke fantastic English, much better than my French! At the end of the tour, you can sample some sparkling wines.
I only spent two hours here, but it was great fun. Although you can turn up, it’s advisable to pre-book your tickets, especially during peak season or busy times. It’s less than a ten-minute drive south of Beaune.
Beaune Cote Plage
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Summer Months (June to August)
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Wine Enthusiasts, Vineyard Lovers, Gastronomy Aficionados, Cultural Explorers
If you’re lucky enough to spend more than a day or two in Beaune during the summer and are looking for time to relax, why not check out Beaune Cote Plage? It is located on the shores of Lake Montagny-les-Beaune and is a natural water swimming zone with four pools. Sit back, relax, take a picnic, and enjoy the summer sun on your skin. You could easily spend a day here with plenty of clean amenities and a cafe.
It is also home to France’s only six-meter aquatic climbing wall. With diving boards and a rope swing, it’s an excellent place for the whole family to have fun and burn some energy. On land, you can join the locals for a game of volleyball or soccer. Plus, disc golf is a new sport that’s hugely popular with kids and adults alike. It is a 10-minute drive south of Beaune, with regular bus routes.
Beaune Hot Air Balloon Ride
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Spring (April to June)
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Adventure Seekers, Romantic Couples, Nature Lovers, Photography Enthusiasts
Why not explore this romantic region from the skies in an unforgettable hot air balloon ride? There are a few operators to choose from, but a recommendation I have heard time and time again is with Beaune Montgolfiere. Sadly, as you have to pre-book this in advance, I missed out on this. But it’s on my personal bucket list when I return to Burgundy.
Discover the Burgundy region, its vineyards, and the many castles along the Grands Crus Burgundy road. It also takes you over the town of Beaune, giving you an opportunity to see Beaune from the skies. What better way to see the glazed tiles from up above? Most balloon rides operate from March to October and are weather-dependent. But if you are given this dreamy chance, please do it!
Take A Day Trip
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Fall Harvest Season (September to November)
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Wine Enthusiasts, Gastronomy Lovers, History Buffs, Architectural Admirers, Cultural Explorers
If you’ve got time on your side and are looking to venture outside of Beaune, there are plenty of special places to visit. Beaune is in a prime location to see some more incredible spots. Dijon is the capital city of Burgundy, and it is a 30-minute train ride north of Beaune. The train takes you through the rolling hills and vineyards, and it is an incredibly relaxing journey. In Dijon, you’ll find plenty more tasty cuisine and markets. It also has a world-renowned modern art museum, glorious Gothic-style monuments, and charming timbered houses.
Alternatively, Lyon is just under a two-hour train ride south of Beaune. Lyon is thought to be one of the best gastronomical cities in Europe, and what a way to complement your visit to the wine capital of France. Filled with pretty waterways and parks, cinematic art, and an incredible Basilica, there’s so much to do to suit every taste.
In addition to these two iconic French capitals, there are so many picturesque villages and towns in between and all around Beaune. So be sure to research the surrounding areas depending on your availability and travelling tastes.
