The perfect weekend in Beaune for wine lovers

Afternoon

Arriving in Beaune from Paris takes approximately 3.5 hours by car or 2h15 to 3h35 by train, depending on which line (fast TGV or local TER) is used. Both means have their pros and cons. Having a car on hand is essential for visits throughout the region, so renting one from Paris may be more convenient, however, taking the train down and renting directly in Beaune is also an option.

Opened in June 2024, Crème has quickly become the go-to coffee-meets-wine joint for locals and tourists alike. This compact-sized coffee shop opens with coffee and brunch favourites (think cinnamon buns, egg sandwiches and more), all prepared in the café’s open kitchen. By evening, the spot quickly shifts into wine bar mode, and has become a local haunt for a myriad of regional winemakers. Expect to rub shoulders with some of Burgundy’s most dynamic names, all while sharing bottles in a convivial, friendly ambiance. Best of all, the kitchen is open all day long, meaning no food-free pauses between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner.

Evening

Start the evening with a bottle of wine or by-the-glass pours and apéro-essential small plates at Maison du Colombier. The bar’s quaint ambiance and bible-like wine list – Burgundy heavy, of course – is loaded with classics and up-and-comers alike, as well as a good amount of trophy bottles for those looking to splurge. Despite its epic wine selection, Maison du Colombier is better known for its drink than its food. Expect small bites and tapas perfect for pre-dinner snacking.

Head to dinner at Caves Madeleine, arguably the best restaurant in Beaune. Located on the, albeit, small, limits of the city’s main borders, the restaurant’s quaint space and poster-laden walls offer a homey and warming ambiance. Expect hearty, seasonal cuisine and classic French dishes served up alongside a 500-reference long wine list. Reservations are recommended.

Post-dinner, take the 10-minute walk over to La Dilettante, a laid-back wine bar with an excellent selection of both traditional and natural wines. The food offerings are small yet substantial and include croque monsieurs, local cheese plates and salads, though the star of the show is really the wine here – and don’t be surprised to bump shoulders with local young winemakers late into the evening.

Morning

Start the day with coffee and delectable pastries – or a heartier breakfast of eggs, quiches or other bread-heavy favourites – at l’Imprimerie, located just outside of the city’s limits (though certainly walkable from anywhere in town). This spot operates as a café, chambre d’hôtes, and co-working space alike, and includes both ample outdoor seating and cosy indoor ambiances. Locals can agree that this is undeniably where to get the best coffee in Beaune today.

Once caffeinated, hitting the Beaune Saturday market is an absolute must. Scour the selection of fresh produce, pungent cheeses and meat products indoors, then peruse the numerous streets lined with antique goods, which include kitchenware, vintage wine posters and a number of other knick-knacks. Similar to La Dilettante, don’t be surprised to run into winemakers here – countless locals in and around Beaune head to the market on Saturday mornings in search of their weekly fresh goods.

Afternoon

Although there are plenty of terrasses to lunch on in Beaune, for a nature-inspired touch of peace and quiet, we recommend heading to Parc de la Bouzaize, located just outside (though walkable from) the city’s limits. Grab a blanket, load up a picnic basket with your market finds and settle along the banks of the park’s charming lake – and don’t forget the wine! While there are countless places to stock up on bottles in Beaune, we’re particularly fond of Avintures. This hole-in-the-wall gem focuses on artisanal wines from small, local producers, with an emphasis on low-intervention winemaking and organically-farmed fruit. Wines from other regions outside of Burgundy are also available.

For a late-afternoon activity – and a much needed break from drinking – head for a quick visit to the Musée du Vin, conveniently located in the centre of the city. Brush up on the history and climats of Burgundy, as well as the intricacies of viticulture and vinification as a whole. Although frequently overlooked, this hidden gem is not to be missed.

Evening

Seeking a breather from classic French food, and dare we say, wine? Find solace at Slanted Door – yes, that Slanted Door – conveniently situated in Maison 1896. Overseen by the late Chef Charles Phan, deemed by many as a pioneer of modern Vietnamese cuisine in the States, Slanted Door in Beaune offers a much-needed reprieve from the heartiness of traditional French bistro food. It’s also home to the best cocktail programme in town – emphasis on strong martinis, Old Fashioneds and a host of other well-executed classics. Come for a pre-dinner libation and kick the night off on a high note.

Opened just last year, Anthocyane Wine Bistrot is one of the city’s newest – and most exciting – places to eat and drink. The beverage programme is overseen by Anthony Gineste, a passionate sommelier who works directly with winemakers to curate a crowd-pleasing list that promises to cater to novices and experienced wine drinkers alike. The kitchen’s small-yet-fierce programme is spearheaded by Lucile Lapert, who regularly changes the spot’s offerings (generally three entrées, three mains and two desserts to choose from, with vegetarian options always available). Expect classic favorites like steak tartare and fish and chips, with all sauces, doughs and bases made in house.

After dinner, head to the vibrant Le Bout du Monde for a satiating last bottle. With closing times of up to 2am, this late-night hotspot is ideal for ending the night on a high note. Expect a cosy ambiance of stone walls, ample couch seating, and over 1,500 wines available at any given time, including over 100 Champagne references.

Morning

In the spirit of slow Sunday mornings, we recommend a peaceful start with top-notch pastries at home (or outdoors, should the weather permit) from Boulangerie Marie Boucherot, which is undeniably the best bakery in town. The shop works exclusively with local producers to source raw ingredients, and also packages everything using biodegradable containers. All pastries and bread are made in house and by hand, with ‘l’art du pain et de la boulangerie à la française’ placed first. Over order and save the leftovers for the train ride home (you’ll thank us later).

After breakfast, head to Athenaeum for all of your paper good needs. If you’re familiar with the horizontal Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune posters that line retail shops, wine bars, and wine-focused establishments worldwide, this is exactly where they came from – though rather than pay an arm and a leg for international shipping, stock up in person at the source. In addition to maps galore, Athenaeum is an equally incredible source for food and wine books, both in French and English, as well as French cookware, wine accessories, miscellaneous gifts and more.

Afternoon

Seasoned visitors know that Sundays can be tricky for finding reservations in French cities, and Beaune is no exception; thankfully, L’Expression keeps its doors open for Sunday lunch, making it the perfect spot to have a last hearty meal. The dining room offers a contemporary and stylish ambiance, with dishes made from top-tier ingredients, many of which are shareable. Service is friendly and hospitable, and the expertly curated wine list makes the deal all the sweeter. The menu offerings rotate every few weeks, and always feature seasonal produce and a variety of proteins cooked in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven.

No trip to Beaune is complete without a visit to the famed Hospices de Beaune. Also referred to as Hôtel-Dieu, this breathtaking building operated as a former charity establishment to care for the poor. Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins, this breathtaking establishment began operating as a charity wine auction house in 1859, a tradition of which is still upheld today. Additionally, the Domaine des Hospices de Beaune owns 61 hectares of donated vines around the region, the majority of which are located in premier and grand cru designations.

For a final drink before heading home, make your way to Publican. Don’t let the pub vibe fool you – it has one of the best wine lists in town (and is certainly a reliable choice for ice cold pints too). Situated on rue Maufoux, the bar is easily accessible by foot from city-centre hotels, which generally comes in handy thanks to the bar’s late-night hours and frequent party vibes. In addition to its impeccable wine list, the bar’s other great feature is its small outdoor terrace, which overlooks a small stream and is perfect for enjoying on warmer weather evenings. Pro tip: Don’t come too hungry, as the bar mostly serves snacks – think hummus, cheese plates and terrines.