Quaint river through the medieval town of Semur en Auxois, Burgundy, France
Beaune is one of the most charming villages in Burgundy, France. The best time to experience its magic is the third weekend in November.
Beaune city road sign in Burgundy, France
During this period, Beaune citizens figuratively roll out the red carpet to welcome international visitors to the annual Hospices de Beaune wine auction.
"Polychromic glazed-tile roof of the Hospices de Beaune - a charitable institution built in the XVth ... [+]
The Hospices de Beaune auction has a unique history that dates from 1443, when the magnificent Hotel Dieu was built to care for Beaune’s ill. In 1457, Guillemette Levernier made the first vineyard donation to the Hospices de Beaune.
Old picturesque lane with medieval towers in the village of Semur en Auxois, Burgundy, France
The idea was that sales from the resulting wine would help finance the Hotel Dieu’s charity mission in perpetuity.
This vineyard is one owned by the Catholic Church near the city of Beaune in the Burgundy region of ... [+]
Today the auction is organized by Christies. Its mission is to raise funds for Beaune area charities. More than $13 million was raised for local charities in 2019 alone.
Hospices de Beaune in the Burgundy area in France. This is a picture of the Grande Hall "Povres" and ... [+]
Hospices de Beaune: Beyond the Auction
The Hospices de Beaune auction attracts celebrities and deep-pocketed bidders.
Hospices de Beaune in the Burgundy area in France. This is a picture of the Grande Hall "Povres" and ... [+]
Beaune – ordinarily a rather austere city – takes on a festive flair during this weekend.
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Small pleasures include walking down the festive streets. Here you can watch traditional dances, sample local cheese and fresh oysters, and bask in the allure of this famous medieval village.
Special Hospices de Beaune Weekend Attractions
Each year, visitors can find fun new things to see and do by checking with the tourism office. Visitors can also earn more about the wine from the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne.
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For the last several years, one of the more interesting events is the Bouchard Aîné & Fils wine tasting. For a small fee, visitors receive a wine glass and are invited to descend into the historic cellars of this winery.
French architecture in Beaune - thr Cote-d'Or department of Burgundy, France
In the cellar, enthusiastic hosts will pour you sips of their wines as you make your way through the ancient cellar. They will explain the terroir of the various Bouchard Aîné & Fils plots and the vinification of the wine.
Burgundy, located in central France, is famous for its wonderful wines and its rolling hills
The hosts will also offer you an hors d'oeuvres designed to match the wine.
Restaurants in Beaune
Frog legs in Beaune restaurant, France
Beaune is home to some of the best restaurants in France. They range from casual bistros to Michelin-rated restaurants. As Beaune is a key wine production area, many restaurants pride themselves on their wine list.
Burgundy, located in central France, is famous for its wonderful wines and its rolling hills
Some restaurants, like Ma Cuisine, specialize in wine so you can find the best producers, the best Grand cru wines, and the best vintages.
Burgundy, located in central France, is famous for its wonderful wines and its rolling hills
Despite the jewels of fine wine on many restaurant lists, you can almost always find an affordable Bourgogne Blanc or Rouge from a good producer on the wine menu.
Two popular restaurants are listed below. Reservations are required.
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Ma Cuisine
+33 3 80 22 30 22
Ma Cuisine is a casual bistro. It is typically filled with guests in the wine trade.
Located in a cave, the cuisine is excellent, as is the service.
Photo taken in Beaune, France
Hotels
Beaune offers a wide variety of hotels to fit every price point.
Unless you need a car to visit the wineries, your best bet is to book a hotel in the center of this small village as Beaune is a pedestrian friendly area.
Book early, as hotels can fill up fast, especially during the auction weekend.
This is a 5-star hotel with attentive service and a world-class breakfast buffet.
Basilica Notre Dame in Beaune - Burgundy, France
Final Thoughts
Beaune is a exquisite village. It retains an Old World charm you might not experience in the larger, nearby city of Dijon.
This auction weekend, also called Vente des Vins, is an ideal time to visit as the village is pulsing with activity one may not find during the quieter times of the year.
