Beaune in Burgundy, One fine vintage

Meet ‘the people from hereabouts’ – Beaune’s winemakers, restaurateurs, guides and hosts in the wonderful, ancient-walled city of central Burgundy.

On arriving in beautiful Beaune, two hours south of Paris, meet ‘the people from hereabouts’. They are the town’s passionate winemakers, restaurateurs and hosts, whose passion for their paradise is palpable.

Caroline Bonfils de Belle from Maison de l’Oiselier

Flowers and refreshing drinks. Soft beds. Sparkling bathrooms. Linen made of pure cotton. Welcome products made from wine extracts of Gevrey-Chambertin. Host, artist and interior designer Caroline at Maison de L’Oiselier in central Beaune gives visitors all they need for a comfortable home away from home. She’s always available with inspirational ideas on Beaune, arranging a buffet dinner for guests on arrival, and cooking workshops or wine courses in her cellar.
La Maison de l' Oiselier in Beaune - Suite Le Lievre
La Maison de l' Oiselier in Beaune - Suite Le Lievre

Denis And Nathalie Charles, Domaine De La Combotte, Bed & Breakfast

Proprietors Denis and Nathalie have two passions: wine and truffles. At the foot of their vineyards, visitors are welcomed to their guest house.
It’s been in the family for five generations. From the garden terrace they will share the stories of their estate, which produces white, red and rosé wines from the Hautes Côtes de Beaune (External link) , as well as prestigious appellations such as Pommard, Volnay, Beaune and Meursault in premier cru and village varieties.
Tastings are available in the comfort of their cellar.

At Pauline’s Table, Olivier’s, Julie’s and more

Winemakers and innkeepers, La table de Pauline in Nantoux, and Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, welcome visitors to their homes, their village and their table, to taste food and wine (Chardonnays and Pinots) and discover a dash of history.

Pauline from the Charles Père et Fille Estate knows intimately the exposure to the sun upon the parcel of vines planted on the birth of their youngest, and the weather that year. Olivier is easily recognisable, hat firmly planted on his head, giving greetings at the table, and telling guests why a particular Pinot Noir goes so well with Époisses (External link) cheese. You might start with a cellar visit, before tasting a menu of regional specialities at the table. Beef bourguignon takes pride of place, along with marbled ham or famous snails.
Two to three hours is needed to fully embrace the experience with ‘the people from hereabouts’.

La table de Pauline in Nantoux in Burgundy
La table de Pauline in Nantoux in Burgundy

Those with an evening appetite will be wise to head to Roland Chanliaud’s Maison du Colombier. This former starred chef has set up shop with wife Françoise in this enchanting medieval house that offers stunning views of the Notre Dame de Beaune Collegiate Church.
Exceptional seasonal ingredients are a given. Organic oeufs cocotte (baked eggs) with Burgundy truffle (External link) strips, minced chuck steak confit in red wine are best enjoyed with one of 900 wine references on the menu.
Maison du  Colombier in Beaune Copyright Flore Deronzier
Maison du Colombier in Beaune Copyright Flore Deronzier

Hotel Dieu - Hospices De Beaune

The Hotel Dieu is a study in the grandiose. Guide Alexia Papin shares the place’s storieswithin- stories, which begin with the hospice’s founders, 15th century philanthropists and patrons Guigone de Salins and Nicolas Rolin. Their courage, intelligence and piety still permeate the atmosphere of this timeless landmark.

Hospices de Beaune Copyright Michel Baudoin
Hospices de Beaune Copyright Michel Baudoin

A trip to the skies to experience the mosaic of plots and enclosures is highly recommended. It’s equally pleasant to maintain a gentle pace along the roads and vineyard paths between Santenay, Beaune and Nuits-Saint-Georges.

Picnic, or take a break in villages dotted every 3 or 4 kilometres, or on a low vineyard wall. Before you pass through Beaune, don’t miss La Maison des Climats, a permanent exhibition detailing the 2000-year history of Burgundy’s vineyard “climats”.

Further Information
Beaune Tourist Office

www.beaune-tourism.com (External link)

Magazine France.fr online (External link)
Click on the picture to discover France.fr travel magazine of France

Beaune in Burgundy 

Beaune in Burgundy