France’s Côte de Beaune is a superb wine-producing area. Vineyards are certainly the dominant feature, with many other pleasures that are charming and interesting.
Visit the town of Beaune to be near the famous winemaking area Côte de Nuits, with its renowned Nuits-Saint-Georges selection. The important terroirs of Pommard, Meursault, Volnay and others are nearby.
Inside Beaune’s walls is the Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices with its patterned roof that belonged to an almshouse centuries ago. The Notre-Dame de Beaune church has a 12th-century wooden statue and tapestries dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Côte de Beaune is in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in this region, tour some other towns, each with its own historical interest. Visit the abbeys of Cluny, Fontenay and Pontigny. The châteaus of Ancy-le-Franc, Bazoches, Berzé-le-Châtel, Cormatin and Tanlay are quite impressive.
Travel just north of Côte de Beaune to Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, with its historic buildings that reflect back to the Middle Ages when it had considerable influence.
The Ducal Palace in Dijon was and, to some extent, still is the seat of power of Burgundy. It began as a small Roman fortress but was rebuilt in the 14th century. The huge building features the 150-foot-tall (46-meter) Tour Philippe le Bon with commanding views at the top of its 316 stairs.
Check ahead to find out if the palace is open, as it also houses the city’s administrative offices and hosts infrequent private events. If it’s closed, spend time at one of the many area restaurants that have helped to build Dijon’s culinary status.
East of Beaune, a visit to the Royal Saltworks, a UNESCO World Heritage site at Arc-et-Senans, lets you become acquainted with an 18th-century architectural marvel. To the northwest Cathédrale Saint-Etienne in Auxerre took two centuries to build in stages, starting in 1023. It is an excellent example of Gothic architecture.
Cycle or hike in Côte de Beaune to find much to see and do within relatively short distances. The area is filled with maisons producing very fine wines.
