Trips and short breaks close to home: Beaune

A walk through history

As soon as we arrive, we feel the magic of centuries past. Cobbled streets, Gothic facades and artistically preserved half-timbered houses welcome us with quiet elegance. The Hôtel-Dieu, a former hospital for the poor dating from 1443, towers over the town with its colourful glazed tile roof, emblematic of Burgundy. Today, it is a fascinating museum that takes us back to the Middle Ages. The historic hospital rooms, the original pharmacy and, as a highlight, the magnificent altarpiece of the Last Judgement by Rogier van der Weyden: impressive, moving, unforgettable.

A few steps away, we discover the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, a church with Romanesque and Gothic elements, whose 15th-century tapestries amaze us. The wine museum, located in the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne, provides an insight into the rich history of winegrowing in the region. Everywhere, small squares, cafés and charming shops invite you to linger: Beaune is not a town to rush through, but one to savour slowly.

A paradise for wine lovers

Beaune is the heart of the Côte-d’Or, one of France’s most famous wine-growing regions. It is home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines, with evocative names such as Pommard, Meursault and Volnay, just outside the town. Many historic vineyards and cellars are open to visitors. We opt for a tour of the century-old cellars of Bouchard Aîné & Fils before letting our gaze wander over the vineyards, an excellent Chardonnay in hand.

Tip: explore the ‘route des grands crus’, a picturesque circuit through small wine-growing villages, along famous vineyards and hidden tasting spots. The ‘Burgundy Wine Museum’, where winegrowing becomes a cultural experience, is a must for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge.

The legendary ‘Les Trois Glorieuses’ auction

Every year in November, Beaune becomes the centre of the international wine world. The ‘wine sale’, the famous auction of the Hospices de Beaune, is more than just an auction. It is a major social event, with festive gala dinners and charity events. The proceeds have always been donated to hospitals and charities. The highlight of the show is the auction of the ‘pièce des présidents’, a symbolic barrel that changes hands each time for a particular cause. In 2025, the auction will be dedicated to inclusion and innovation. A wonderful idea that shows that pleasure and social commitment go hand in hand in Beaune.

Relaxation and luxury in the countryside

After all these impressions, we are drawn out of the city to the peace and vastness of the Burgundian countryside. Just 30 km south of Beaune is the Relais & Châteaux hotel ‘Domaine de Rymska’, an ideal retreat for anyone seeking peace and nature after so much history and culture. Surrounded by ponds, meadows and forests, the estate offers elegant rooms and suites, a swimming pool and spa area, electric bikes for guests to use freely and, above all, incredible peace and quiet.

In the evening, the hotel’s restaurant, La Table de Rymska, treats us to exceptional culinary experiences. Chef Jérémie Muller focuses on the ‘farm-to-table’ concept: many of the ingredients come from the hotel’s own farm. The cuisine is refined, authentic and full of regional flavours, while the wine list, with over 1,200 selections, leaves nothing to be desired.

A place to return to

Beaune is a place that has it all: culture, history, wine, gastronomy and nature. It is a place that does not boast, but charms with its authenticity. A place that inspires, whether admiring a Gothic building, tasting a mature Burgundy or contemplating the golden vineyards in the late afternoon.

Whether for a weekend or as a starting point for a longer trip in Burgundy, Beaune will remain in your memories and make you want to come back!