Five things to do in France’s Beaune (Other than the wine)

Notourisme is the French word for wine tourism, and Beaune is the unofficial capital of Bourgogne wine country. Beaune is known for its outstanding wines, but there’s much more to this town of about 25,000. There are plenty of things to do in Beaune if you’re not a wine connoisseur.

Visiting Hospices de Beaune

As well as its wine, Beaune is known for its hospital. Hospices de Beaune [or Hotel-Dieu] was founded by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of Phillipe Le Bon, Duke of Burgundy and Guigone de Salins, his wife. Tour Hospices de Beaune.
Beaune’s hospital is equally famous as its wine. He founded Hospices de Beaune [or Hôtel-Dieu] in 1443, under the direction of Phillipe Le Bon, Duke of Burgundy and Guigone de Salins. As the Hundred Years’ War ended, Burgundy was being decimated by plague. Between 1452 and the 1960s, this hospital served everyone in the region, regardless of their financial means.
Flanders-inspired architecture and Burgundy’s colorful glazed tile roof inspired this Gothic-style building. Roofs of this type were status symbols in the 13th century when cathedrals adorned them. The aristocracy favored them in the 14th century.
An audio tour is included with admission. Explore the immaculate courtyards and the four buildings open to the public. See the pharmacy where nuns mixed medicine and the kitchen where meals were prepared for about 100 patients daily. Visit the Great Hall, also known as the Hall of the Poor, where the destitute slept two to a bed. In 1451, Belgian painter Rogier van der Weyden created an altarpiece. Originally hung above the chapel’s alter, the 9-panel masterpiece now hangs in a dark room near the Hospice de Beaune’s exit. The altarpiece was hidden during the French Revolution in order to avoid destruction.

Explore the Ramparts

There is a lot of history in Beaune that reaches back before the Romans. Some of this history has been kept incredibly well. The ramparts and battlements of Beaune are concealed in plain sight. The town is surrounded by 1.5 miles of walls that follow the bustling ring road. Since the 12th century, these towers have contributed to Beaune’s security. Exploring the city on these winding, isolated streets, which have been in development for four centuries, is like taking a walk-through history. Seek out the blue signs that read Amis des Remparts Beaune that are attached to walls close to the edge of the old town. These directional markers show the way Square des Lions, Château de Beaune, and other prominent landmarks may be seen from this location in the town.
Bike through the Vineyards
Cycling is one of the greatest ways to explore Burgundy. In Burgundy, there are bike paths that extend over 21 kilometers and wind through villages and vineyards. A rather simple Véloroute departing from Beaune travels 13.6 kilometers to Santenay. The towns of Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny Montrachet, and Chassagne Montrachet are all along the route. Get a close-up look at the vineyards that create the world’s best wines while cycling at your own pace. Follow the Voie des Vignes route from Santenay to Nolay if you still have the energy. An ancient rail line is followed along this 8-mile path. Visit Bourgogne Évasion to hire a bike or embark on a guided tour.

Consume all the food

Everyone is aware of how renowned French cuisine is throughout the world. The French, in my opinion, are only matched by the Japanese in their utilization of seasonal ingredients and careful presentation. There are numerous specialties and regional cuisines in France. French plates demonstrate how effectively they utilise the land. So it should come as no surprise that more than any other location in recent memory, Burgundy creates meals that I enjoy eating. Even if you’ve never visited France, you’re definitely familiar with beef Bourguignon. After all, this slow-cooked beef stew became well-known in America in the 1960s thanks to the famed Julia Child. Two additional well-known dishes from Burgundy are Coq au Vin (rooster with wine and mushrooms) and Escargots à la Bourgogne (snails with butter, garlic, and parsley). Depending on the season, blackcurrants are used to make kir, which is combined with white wine or Champagne for an aperitif, as well as mushrooms and truffles. I would be remiss if I failed to highlight the local cheeses since this is France. Look for Chaource, Epoisses, and délice de Pommard—one of my favorite recent discoveries. You may get this mild, creamy cheese, which is rolled in mustard seeds, at Alain Hess in Beaune’s main square. Other flavors include Dijon gingerbread, Italian black summer truffles, and Burgundy blackcurrant.