Things To Do
in Beaune

Slow-braised beef in red Burgundy wine with lardons and mushrooms; a regional staple found at most traditional restaurants.

Must-Try!

Chicken braised in red wine with bacon, onions, and mushrooms—comfort food showcasing local vintages.

Snails baked in garlic-herb butter; often served as a starter in bistros and brasseries.

Poached eggs in a red wine and bacon sauce, typical of Burgundy and often found on regional menus.

A lively market (especially on Saturday mornings) selling local cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, vegetables, and regional specialties—try a saucisson or fresh goat cheese.

Occasional vendors sell pastries, rotisserie items, and regional snacks—ideal for a picnic with local wine.

Always greet shopkeepers and servers with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening) and use 'Monsieur'/'Madame'—this is expected and appreciated.

Meals are unhurried; keep conversation polite and avoid loud behavior in restaurants. It’s customary to wait for the host to start eating if invited to a local home.

Smart-casual dress is common; avoid beachwear in town. Respect private property in vineyards and don’t trespass on cultivated plots.

Attempting a few words of French goes a long way; start conversations in French, then switch to English if prompted.

Service charge (service compris) is included in restaurant bills by law, but leaving a small tip (a few euros or rounding up) is appreciated for excellent service. For taxis and small services, rounding up or adding 5-10% for exceptional help is fine.

Credit and debit cards (chip-and-PIN) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops; contactless payments are common. Carry some cash for small markets, cafés, and rural vendors who may be card-averse.

Mild temperatures and blooming vineyards; fewer tourists than summer and a good time for walks and early tastings—weather can be changeable, so pack layers.

Warm, sometimes hot days with long evenings—restaurants and wine bars are lively and outdoor dining is common; expect the highest tourist numbers in July-August.

Harvest season (vendange) and wine-related events make autumn a highlight; vineyards turn golden and the weather is crisp—book tastings and accommodations early for peak events.

Quiet town atmosphere with chilly temperatures and occasional frost; some smaller wineries and rural attractions reduce hours but restaurants remain open for cozy meals.

Trails on and around Corton Hill with panoramic views over the Côte d'Or, vineyard walks, and mixed forest paths.

Rolling countryside and scenic trails above the main wine slope, offering quieter routes, wildflowers in spring, and village viewpoints.

A series of short hikes and village-to-village walks along the famous wine route linking vineyards and historic estates.

About an hour’s drive, the Morvan offers extensive hiking, lakes, and forested trails for longer outdoor excursions and multi-day treks.

Regional airport about 45–60 minutes by car; limited commercial flights but convenient if available. Dijon is also a major rail hub via TGV connections to Beaune.

Major international airport around 2 to 2.5 hours by car or train; good for international connections and frequent flights.

Smaller regional airport roughly 1–1.5 hours by car; occasional budget flights and useful for low-cost carriers depending on season.

Large international hub around 3.5 to 4 hours by train to Beaune (TGV connections via Dijon or direct regional combinations); good for long-haul flights.

Multi-generation families who own and work the vineyards, forming the backbone of the local economy and culture.

Like many provincial French towns, Beaune has a significant older population contributing to traditional civic life.

International and domestic visitors drawn by wine tastings, gastronomy, and the historic center—numbers peak in summer and harvest season.

A modest community of expatriates and part-time residents attracted by wine culture and rural lifestyle.

Cycling is very popular for both sport and leisure, with many road routes through vineyards and quieter country lanes.

Local amateur football clubs are common and followed by community supporters; regional matches are part of local life.

The traditional French boules game is often played in town squares and parks, especially by older locals.

Outdoor running and hiking in the vineyards and nearby hills are favored by locals and visitors who enjoy nature.

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in larger cities; many restaurants will adapt dishes—ask for seasonal vegetable plates, cheese boards, and salads.

Vegan choices can be sparse; look for cafés with vegetable-forward dishes, and communicate restrictions in advance. Larger restaurants in town may accommodate with notice.

Gluten-free requests are generally understood but cross-contamination is possible in bakeries and traditional kitchens; inform staff and choose simple preparations.

Carry a written note in French describing major allergies; many chefs will accommodate but always check ingredients for butter and cream in Burgundian cuisine.