Beaune is a charming town located in the heart of France’s Burgundy wine region. With its quaint streets, picturesque vineyards, and rich history, it’s no wonder that tourists are drawn here.
I’ve been living in France for the past six years and I’ve traveled all over the country. From Lille’s beautiful Grand Place to Marseille’s stunning coastline, I’ve seen it all.
And, of the places I’ve been, Beaune stands out as one of my favorite small towns, so much so that I keep going back.
In this post, I’ll share with you the perfect one day in Beaune itinerary, so that you can make the most out of your trip.
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Overview: One Day in Beaune
- Morning: Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune, Musée du Vin – Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne, Ramparts, Mural de La Grande Vadrouille
- Afternoon: Local Cuisine, Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune, Wine Tasting, La Moutarderie Fallot
- Evening: Visiotrain, Old Town, Place Carnot
What to Do in Beaune in One Day
1. Explore the Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune
The first stop on this itinerary is my favorite museum in Beaune, the Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune.
It was originally a 15th-century hospital for the poor, but, today, it’s a history museum.
It offers a glimpse into how this hospital functioned and what life was like during that period. It also highlights the history of Beaune through architecture, artwork, and artifacts.
The museum offers several different tours.
I chose the “In the Footsteps of the Founders” tour.
It’s a self-guided audio tour narrated by its founders, Chancellor Nicolas Rolin and his wife Guigone de Salins.
It covers all the main exhibits with 26 sites in total.
Each stop includes an excerpt that details the room or collection, and, in most cases, there’s an additional commentary.
I listened to everything, took some photos, and doubled back on a few stops and it took me about 90 minutes to complete.
Some of my favorite rooms were The Courtyard, The Great Hall of the Poor, the Laboratory, and the Pharmacy.
The most impressive piece of art I saw was the Polyptych of the Last Judgment by Rogier van der Weyden. It was completed when the hospital opened and served as a source of comfort to the dying.
Of the activities I did in Beaune, this was easily my favorite.
Helpful Tip: This is a popular museum. I reserved the earliest time slot and still had to wait in line. Luckily, the crowd dispersed so I could better appreciate the museum.
2. Tour the Musée du Vin – Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne
It’s not too far to the next stop, Musée du Vin – Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne.
This museum is arranged in a former ducal residence and showcases the history of wine production in Burgundy.
It shows how tools, equipment, bottles, and even glasses have evolved over the centuries and their roles in the culture and tradition.
There was even an exhibit where you could smell the different aromas used in winemaking.
For me, this was the best part. I loved testing my knowledge and guessing the identity of the different aromas. Some were more obvious, like vanilla, while others were more potent, like coffee.
And, while this particular ducal residence was not as grandiose as the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne I visited in Dijon, it was still impressive
Helpful Tip: If you visit the Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune, Musée du Vin – Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne, and Musée des Beaux-Arts, there is a discounted combo ticket you can buy at any of the three museums.
3. Follow the Ramparts
The Ramparts of Beaune (or Remparts de Beaune) are the town’s former fortifications. They completely encircle the center and offer stunning views of its historical sites.
I walked the entire length a few times, passing gardens, towers, a washhouse, and a theater. There were information boards for each site and a QR code that gave even more details.
Some of my favorite stops were the Théâtre de Verdure, Le Lavoir Saint-Jacques, the Porte Saint-Nicolas, and La Tour Renard.
It was a peaceful and picturesque way to see Beaune from a different perspective.
Helpful Tip: In summer, the trees block some of the views. I had to exit the ramparts to see the Théâtre de Verdure, for example.
4. Admire the Mural de La Grande Vadrouille
In the historic center, you’ll find a colorful mural that pays tribute to the 1966 French comedy film “La Grande Vadrouille.” Several scenes from the film were shot in Beaune, making it a beloved part of the town’s cultural heritage.
The mural depicts events from the movie, including the famous scene at the Hospices de Beaune. It’s not as life-life as some of the murals I saw in Lyon, but it’s still a fun and unique photo opportunity.
I hadn’t watched the movie before visiting Beaune, but once I saw the mural I decided to watch it.
5. Taste Local Cuisine
No visit to Beaune is complete without indulging in the local cuisine.
Some of my favorite Burgundian dishes I tried on my visit were:
- Escargots (snails)
- Coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine)
- Gougère (a giant cheese puff)
- Boeuf Bourguignonne (beef stewed in Burgundy wine)
There are tons of restaurants in Beaune that serve these dishes, but I loved Ma Cuisine. They have an excellent menu and wine list. If you’re looking for a place to stop for lunch, this is it.
Helpful Tip: While reservations for Ma Cuisine are not required, booking in advance is best.
6. Check out the Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune
Located in the heart of town, this beautiful basilica is one of the last Romanesque churches in Burgundy.
It was built in the 12th century but has since undergone restorations.
Inside, you’ll find gorgeous stained-glass windows and the most beautiful organ in the region.
I’ve been to a lot of churches in France, including the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Paris. So, when I first saw the Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune, I wasn’t too impressed. But when I stepped inside, I was in awe.
Helpful Tip: I found the back side of the church to be far more beautiful than the front.
7. Go Wine Tasting
Beaune is surrounded by famous wine villages such as Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, and more.
So, of course, you can’t visit Beaune without going on a wine tasting tour.
There are plenty of tours to choose from, and most wine cellars in town offer one. In fact, there are far more options in Beaune compared to Dijon.
I tried quite a few and my favorites were:
- Domaine Chanson
- Domaine Loubet-Dewailly
- Maison Champy
- Patriarche Père et Fils
All four were incredible. They even rivaled some of the famous wineries I visited in Alsace.
If it was available, I opted for a cellar tour and a wine tasting. Although, if you’re short on time, you can just book a wine tasting.
Helpful Tip: I recommend reserving your spot as soon as possible. It’s one of the most popular activities in Beaune, so tickets sell out fast.
8. Tour La Moutarderie Fallot
For something a little different, why not take a tour of La Moutarderie Fallot?
This mustard factory has been in operation since 1840 and is one of the last remaining traditional mustard mills in Burgundy.
They offer two tours – Découvertes Tour and Sensations Fortes Tour.
I picked the Sensations Fortes tour because the Découvertes Tour was sold out.
Helpful Tip: Tickets for both tours sell out about a month in advance.
The Sensations Fortes tour took about an hour. I learned about the history of mustard making and the difference between Dijon and Burgundy mustard. I also visited their facilities.
Then, at the end, there was a mustard tasting and I got two free bottles of mustard.
It was easily one of the most unique things I did in Beaune. And compared to the mustard tasting I did on my day in Dijon, this was more educational.
9. Ride the Visiotrain
The Visiotrain is a tourist train that takes you on a 40-minute tour around Beaune.
Helpful Tip: The Visiotrain leaves about once an hour starting at 9:00 am.
It’s a fun way to see all the major sights and get an overview of the city.
The train starts from the Tourist Office, in the center of town, and makes several stops along the way.
It’s also a great opportunity to learn some interesting facts about Beaune.
But the main reason I opted for the Visiotrain was to visit the vineyards (photo above).
While I have been to Beaune several times, I know how difficult it is to see all the sites in one day. And this is a great way to see everything.
Helpful Tip: I also visited the vineyards on foot and by bike. Both were great, so if you have time, I recommend going out to the vineyards on your own.
10. Walk around the Old Town
Beaune is easily one of the most beautiful towns in Burgundy. At the center is its Old Town. It’s here you’ll find historical buildings, cobbled streets, and quaint squares.
Some of the most picturesque sites I saw were the Beffroi de Beaune, the Hôtel de Ville, the Chapelle de l’oratoire, and the Square des Lions.
And the streets were so picture-perfect, I felt like I was walking in a postcard.
The prettiest street I saw was Rem Saint-Jean, which is part of the ramparts. It reminded me of some of the streets I stumbled upon in Montpellier’s Old Town.
There’s even a local market at the Halle de Beaune where locals come to sell their goods. It takes place every Saturday from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.
11. Relax in Place Carnot
After a day of touring and tasting, I recommend taking some time to relax in Place Carnot.
It’s a small square surrounded by beautiful buildings, cafés, and restaurants. Then, in the middle, there’s a beautiful carousel.
After I toured the Old Town, I sat on one of the benches and soaked in the atmosphere. I watched locals pass by and listened to the chatter of French conversations.
It was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
Where to Stay
Beaune has a ton of charming hotels. Most are on the higher end, but the service and quality are unmatched. Below are the hotels I recommend.
✓ Hôtel des Tonneliers – This was the best hotel I stayed at in Beaune. The staff were friendly, the breakfast was delicious, and the bed was comfy.
✓ Sure Hotel by Best Western Centre Beaune – This was the best budget hotel I stayed at in Beaune. The room was comfy, the breakfast was huge, and the staff were accommodating.
✓ La Maison de Maurice – This fully equipped apartment is in the center of Beaune. The interior is beautiful and the staff are exceptional.
Where to Eat
Beaune is a little foodie paradise. It’s full of eateries, bistros, and classic brasseries. Below are the restaurants I recommend you try while you’re in town.
✓ Le Béléna – An elegant restaurant that serves some of the best classic Burgundian dishes in town.
✓ Le Bistro Des Cocottes – A cozy restaurant with excellent service. The atmosphere is calm and the food is delicious.
✓ Le P’tit Paradis – Hidden on a side street in the center of town, this restaurant serves some of the best food in town.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Beaune in a Day
From historical sites to delicious wines, Beaune has something for everyone.
This is easily my favorite town in the region. I loved the charming atmosphere and all the activities there were to do.
My two favorite experiences were wine tasting and touring the Hospices de Beaune.
Both were incredible.
Now that you know how to plan your day, it’s time to book your trip.
Read More Articles About France
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
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