Beaune

“There goes the baker with his tray like always, the same old bread and rolls to sell….every morning just the same, as the morning that we came, to this poor provincial town…”  Even  though Bell’s songs echoed in my head as I wandered the streets of Beaune, there was certainly nothing poor about this town (Burgundy is home to over 3/4 of the world’s 50 most expensive wines, and some bottles cost thousands of dollars).  As the capital of the region, Beaune is a mecca for good food and of course amazing wine.  When we weren’t touring the market or cooking up a storm with The Cook’s Atelier, we were driving by some of the world’s greatest vineyards, drinking yummy pinot noir, learning about wine (there’s a lot of wine in Beaune…), and visiting the Hospices de Beaune.

The Hospices was founded in 1443 as a hospital for the poor and is a stunning example of 15th century architecture.  Now, it is also a museum and home to the famous Les Trois Glorieuses charity wine auction that takes place each November.  We chose to take advantage of the audio tour.  You should too.

Basically, Beaune was an exercise in choosing restaurants and drinking wine.  Fortunately, we met several delightful locals who shared their recommendations and helped us to navigate the small town’s restaurant scene.

I’ve listed some of our favorites (like the charming wine bar La Dilletante) and some favorites of others that we didn’t have time to try.  

Accommodation in Beaune

Appartement 3 Chambre Beaune Centre (Airbnb)
We loved this gorgeous and conveniently located apartment.  Technically, it sleeps six people, although the set up is a little funky, and there is only one bathroom, so it might get a little cramped.

Eating and Drinking in Beaune

La Dilettante (pictured above)
Wine bar with great atmosphere, lots of wines by the glass (great for trying all sorts of things) and delicious food.  We went back twice! 
11, rue du Faubourg Bretonniere | 03.80.21.48.59

Caves Madeleine
Small and cozy with delicious food and yummy wine.
8, rue du Faubourg Madeleine | 03.80.22.93.30

Ma Cuisine
Quaint, family run, lots of wine and good food.
Passage Saint Helene | 03.80.22.30.22

La Lune
Japanese French fusion.  Small plates. We were dying to try this place but couldn’t get a reservation.  This was at the top of the list of recommendations from every local we encountered.
32, rue Maufoux | 03.80.20.77.42