If you just so happen to be in Dijon, or indeed anywhere in Burgundy, a day trip to Beaune is a must. Known as the wine capital of the region, it has to be one of the most charming towns in France. It is rich is history and that classic French ambiance, not to mention the wide range of wines available. If you are looking for a day trip to Beaune, then this quick guide is just for you. Enjoy!
Day Trip to Beaune | Your Quick Guide
Getting to Beaune
Getting to Beaune from Dijon is quick and easy, making it a perfect day trip into the heart of Burgundy’s wine country. The fastest option is by train, with frequent TER services running between the two cities in just 20 minutes (the stopper option is just 40 minutes). Tickets cost around the equivalent of £5.00 depending on which train option you go for.
Usually, I would recommend the train. It is cost-effective and you can’t really go wrong. However, this part of France is just so incredibly beautiful that a car is a perfect way to see it. I would recommend taking the Route des Grands Crus, which features some of the most famous vineyards in the world such as Gevrey-Chamertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The route takes about 40 minutes or so, but you can obviously mix this up and stop at other nearby attractions.
Cycling is another great option for wine lovers, with dedicated bike paths winding through the picturesque Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune vineyards.
Your Day Trip to Beaune
Morning: Arrival and Exploring the Historic Center
Once you arrive in Beaune, I would recommend starting in the picturesque streets of the historic centre. There is a distinct medieval theme here and the older buildings and cobbled streets are really well-preserved. One of my favourite things to see are the colourful, traditional roofs of these buildings. They really add to the overall ambiance and are just gorgeous. I would also suggest stopping by the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Beaune. This is a beautiful Romanesque church which houses stunning tapestries which date back to the 15th Century. The centre is also an excellent place to pick up a coffee or croissant.
In terms of your first destination, I would suggest the Hôtel-Dieu, also known as the Hospices de Beaune. This iconic Gothic landmark actually used to be a hospital, but nowadays is a famous museum. Inside, you’ll find an incredible collection of artefacts and artwork, including the Polyptych of the Last Judgement by Rogier van der Weyden.
Late Morning: Wine Tasting and Market Visit
Once you have seen the centre, I think that it is then an acceptable time to start drinking the wine. Of course, not trip to Beaune to complete without it and I would start at Marché aux Vins first, or one of the other many wine cellars open for a guided tour. The wines here are from the local region, so expect to taste the renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay specialities.
If you happen to be in Beaune on a Saturday, then there is an outdoor market that runs in Place Carnot. It is filled with fresh and local products, including the regional cheeses and even truffles. It is perfect for stocking up for a picnic at lunch, or just for a tasty souvenir.
Afternoon and Evening: A Leisurely Lunch and Vineyard Visit
For lunch, it would be rude not to indulge into the traditional Burgundian cuisine at a local bistro. I would suggest either Le Bistrot Bourguignon or Ma Cuisine where you can try some of the regional classics. Of course, there is boeuf bourguignon which we all know and love. However, you could also try escargots de Bourgogne or oeufs en meurette, which are eggs that have been poached in local red wine. Delicious!
After lunch, if you’ve travelled by car, you could take a short trip just outside of town to visit a vineyard along the famous Route des Grands Crus. Many of the vineyards offer guided tours where you can walk through the vineyards and soak in more of that countryside. You can also enjoy more glasses of wine.
From here, return back to Dijon and relax. If you have been driving and felt you have missed out on the wine, then head on out to a local cafe in the city and enjoy a glass or two!
Final Thoughts | A Day Trip to Beaune
Beaune is a fantastic day trip from Dijon. I think that it typifies what you would expect from a local town in Burgundy and showcases the gorgeous surroundings of the area. Again, I would have to be an advocate for driving here – it really is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. I hope that this quick guide has helped you and, if you have any questions, just reach out. I always love hearing from you.
