Beaune – Introduction

Beaune is the Burgundy wine capital. Most Burgundy wineries are located around the city and are represented inside the city. However, the city itself can not be considered as being beautiful despite being quite old.

A roman fort had been built in the 1st century A.D. where the city is now. The fact that wines are important to the city stems from centuries ago. Already in the 13th century, Beaune was a major wine-growing city. You can see how important wines are when walking around it. There are so many buildings dedicated to wines:

Walled city

Beaune was a city surrounded by fortified walls. The old city centre lies behind these walls. About 50% of the walls are still visible, and intact.

Inside the city, there is a small river/stream winding itself through the city. It’s called the “La Bouzaise“, and there is one notable point (see photo below) where there is the medieval washing point. This is where clothes were washed in the river by hand.

The City

The city could never be described as being pretty or beautiful. It’s not a Lyon or Rouen or any of the old cities that you can see in France. The houses and buildings are functional, following a building style that can often be seen in Burgundy.

Apart from the older city houses, you will find the occasional churches and chapels:

There’s even a bell tower (Beffroi de Beaune):

Since the city does not have any high structures (apart from the bell towers), a stroll through the city gives a rather pleasant feeling. There are many cafes, restaurants and bars, all with their own terraces, to be found everywhere:

As is the case with most towns and cities in France, there is a covered food market, and as usual, it’s called “Les Halles“:

The Hospices de Beaune

The major attraction in Beaune is the “Hospices de Beaune“, also known as “Hotel-Dieu de Beaune“. It is a remarkable building, a former charitable almshouse built in 1443.

The Hospice can be visited, and if you are in the area, you should. Click here to read more about it.

Beaune Museum of Fine Arts

The Beaune Museum of Fine Arts is located in a single level building. The museum moved here recently (2001), before that it had been scattered around the city, partially to be found in the City Hall.

The collection of the contents of the museum had started in 1800. The content of the museum is a mixture of paintings, sculptures and archaeological items. Click here to access the museum’s web site (in French only).

Conclusion

People don’t really come to visit Beaune because of its beauty or architecture. It’s not a city where you will find amazing buildings or works of art at every corner. People come to visit because of mostly this city is the capital of Burgundy wines!

If you are into wines, and good food, this city is for you!

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