Driving through Burgundy, France feels like stepping back in time with its rolling vineyards, golden mustard fields, and the quiet charm of countryside villages. One moment you’re cruising toward a château for a leisurely lunch, the next you’re sipping Pinot Noir in the heart of Beaune. It may sound like a dream, but it’s exactly the kind of escape you didn’t know you needed.

If you're craving a storybook village filled with world-class wine, cozy bistros, and bustling markets, Beaune is my top pick for a quick getaway from Paris or western Switzerland. Check out my 4-day itinerary to start planning your own Burgundy escape.

Where to stay:

If it is your first time in Burgundy, I do recommend staying in Beaune. This town is in the center of Burgundy and is very walkable. Dinners can be eaten rather late (or go a few hours) so it is nice to be able to enjoy yourself to the fullest and walk back to your home away from home! These are a few of my favorites…

Hostellerie Cedre & Spa — A beautiful chateau style hotel right outside of the Beaune walls. It also has an incredible restaurant to visit if you do not stay here!

Maison du Colombier — Small 5 room hotel that is situated in a 16th century tower overlooking the Notre-Dame church.

Millesime78 — This is an airbnb we stayed in and it was perfect! When we travel with Mac, sometimes it is easier to stay somewhere where we have a bit more room!

Armand Heitz — This Chateau is more than just a beautiful property, it is a small bed & breakfast that produces its own wine, features a farm to table restaurant, and even has a few rooms to stay the night! If you are looking for a unique experience, this would be the place to stay. Heads up- you will definitely need your own car to arrive here! https://armandheitz.com/pages/les-hebergements

4 Day Itinerary for Beaune

Day 1: Arrive in Beaune

Welcome to Bourgogne…otherwise known as Burgundy! Upon arrival, you will quickly be drawn in by the beauty of the region and the cobblestone streets but first check in and get comfortable. For this trip, we had Mac with us so we opted for the AirBnB, and Millesime78 was perfect for a long holiday weekend. Not only was it comfortable and spacious but it had many elements that made it feel like home, such as a record player, a tranquil courtyard, and “Le Nez du Vin” for testing our wine education. Highly recommend staying here if you are wanting a little more room than what a hotel offers!

Afternoon: Once settled, head into the city and explore the idyllic streets that make you feel like you are on the set of Beauty and the Beast. It is hard to miss the colorful roofs of Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune in the center of town. This former hospital from 1443 aimed at serving the poor and disadvantaged is now home to the worlds most famous charity auction that auctions off the crowning jewel of the Burgundy region – wine. The auction is help every year on the 3rd Sunday in November and attracts global wine entrepreneurs and enthusiasts. The hospital is perfectly restored and the medieval architecture offers views at every turn. I recommend booking tickets to guarantee your visit!

Following your visit to Hôtel-Dieu, check out the bookstore across the street, Anthenaeum. Not only does this shop having local trades, they have an impressive collection of French and wine literature.

Evening: For an early evening apéro, head to Place Carnot (the square in the middle of town) and stop at Maison Jules for a crisp glass of crémant, a sparkling French wine made outside of the Champagne region, paired with a planchette à fromage featuring the local cheese of the region, époisses.

Your first dinner in the region must be filled with local delicacies. 21 Boulevard is the perfect place to try Bourgogne classics with their paired 3 and 4 course dinner. Of course, the escargot is incredible but the œufs en meurette was our surprising favorite!

Day 2: Markets and Wine

Morning: Begin with a slow morning filled with croissants from Boulangerie Pluchon and enjoying a good café or espresso, then set out to the Saturday market. The Beaune Saturday Market is one of my favorites, filled with local artisans, delicatessens, fresh rotisserie chickens, live music, and art. We loaded up on some of our favorite soaps, fresh cheeses, and roamed through the antiques in the square. I love a weekend market, and this one should not be missed with its lively and local flair. I like to think that markets like this one are what made Julia Child fall in love with France. While you are going through the market, stop into Fomagerie Alain Hess. The first floor is filled with meats, cheeses, olive oils, tinned fish, and every French culinary item you can think of, but the real show is the impressive wine cellar in the basement.

Afternoon: Now it is time to do what we came here for- drink incredible wine! The Burgundy wine region is unique in the way it is separated but that is a lesson best taught by my husband Zach. Read about the unique terroirs of Bourgogne here!

For your first vineyard, head to Prosper Maufoux located in Saint-Aubin. Not only does this wine house have incredible wine and views, but they also provide an excellent education of the region and degustation (or wine tasting!).

Following this wine tasting, head to the village of Pommard. This town is truly beautiful. I recommend taking in the sites by walking through the rolling hills filled with wine shops and chateaus. You can grab a late lunch and sit on their patio reflecting on the beautiful day.

After arriving back in Beaune, enjoy an apertif on the terrace of La Maison du Colombier facing the beautiful La Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune. If you are lucky, the church bells will be ringing for the evening service!

Evening: Enjoy an unbelievable dinner at Garum Table Vivante. Whether you are sitting outside on the terrace under the moonlight and twinkling string lights or in one of the chic rooms inside the house in a chair fit for a queen, you are sure to have an unforgettable evening. Situated in an old bourgeois house, each dish is crafted with imagination by head chef, Christophe Bocquillon. The menu is seasonal and changes often but I promise you, you will not be disappointed!

Day 3: Burgundy on 2 Wheels

Morning: Your last day in Burgundy, should still be enjoying the fruits of the land…more wine!

If you like to start off your day with a bit of exercise, there is a paved cycle and run path that incircles the city. I use strava and I will admit that the app sent us on a wild run through the vineyards…and I truly mean through the vineyards because at one point we were quite literally running through the vines! So with this in mind, I recommend sticking to the paved paths! Post exercise (or just a slow morning in your hotel), grab your morning pastry at Marie Boucherot Boulangerie.

Afternoon: For today’s adventure into the Burgundy’s countryside, I have two options for you to choose from!

OPTION 1: Visit the vineyards by bike! Bourgogne Évasion offers vineyard tours on 2 wheels! There are multiple options featuring various options like guided tours, self-tours, e-bikes, and regular bikes! When we visited the region for the first time, the weather was horrible and we did this tour in the van rather than on a bike, but it was still excellent!

OPTION 2: Head north of Beaune to the famed region of Burgundy- Côte de Nuit. This region is famous for its red wine made from pinot noir, my favorite! The small village of Nuits Saint-Georges is a beautiful area and is home to Maison Jean-Claude Boisset. Situated in the former convent of Les Ursulines, the winery produces some of the best wine in the region. This Maison is not just focused on the incredible wine they produce but the deep ties to the spiritual history of the convent. The architecture is incredible, with no corners indoor, and the vat room truly felt like a sanctuary. Additionally, our sommelier who guided us through the space and tasting was fabulous. They only provide private visits so make sure to book in advance, you will not be disappointed.

Heading back to Beaune for your evening, I recommend stopping into Maison 1896 for a pre-dinner aperitif at the Slanted Door. The bar is beautiful, and the waiters are knowledgeable. If you are interested in a bottle of wine, the head sommelier will offer an excellent selection as well as extensive wine book (emphasis on book…they have quite the large collection!).

Evening: Your last dinner should be spent in a unique place so why not in a 15th century cellar? Le Caveau des Arches is just that place, serving Burgundy culinary classics within their wine cellar with excellent service. They also feature tasting menus and will help you select perfectly paired wines to go with each course.

Day 4: Au Revoir Beaune

This may be your last day in the famed French region but I predict your trip will be taking you on to another unbelievable location so before you go, you must indulge yourself once more. Outside of Beaune in the small village of Chaudenay, is Chez Armand, a farm to table restaurant with some of the best lamb I have ever had. The restaurant is set inside of a restored grand barn and all dishes are made with many of their own delicacies produced in the Burgundy region. We were lucky enough to have Easter brunch here and I am still dreaming of the meal!

A in the Alps Tips & Tricks:

When looking to book a wine tasting, it will usually be called a “degustation”.
I recommend only booking one vineyard tour a day so you can fully enjoy all that the wine house has to offer as well as the surrounding areas!
Beaune fills its days with events for locals and tourists. Be sure to check out their event calendar before your visit! https://www.beaune-tourism.com/organize-your-stay/events/
When booking your degustation, ensure that you choose the language you need your tour in…or you will take an entire tour in French like us! (this was a welcomed challenge though)
In the Beaune market, make sure to have euros. Some stalls will take cards, but not all.
Get reservations! I love being spontaneous but not when it comes to my meals.

Wanting more?

Wanting to add a little more to your days? Here are a few more spots to try! I do recommend only booking one wine tasting a day. If you want to fit in two, I recommend booking the earliest available and then a late afternoon tasting unless they are in the same village. Of course, make sure you have a designated driver to get you to the vineyards and back!

Château de Pommard — Beautiful château with excellent wines. Located in Pommard..

Château Meursault — Excellent wines in a beautiful setting…what more could you want?

Cité des Climats & Vins – If you are interested in a full history of the region, this is an excellent museum.

Edmond Fallot – Family owned Burgundy Mustard Mill since 1840.

Truffle hunting- Head out with a guide and truffle-sniffing dog to hunt for truffles in the region. *I have not personally done this tour but it looks excellent.

Beaune & Burgundy Region