Day 1 in Beaune

Welcome to Beaune! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with Beaune, the bustling, wealthy, charming place of pilgrimage for art lovers, wine lovers, and gastronomes. The town is quite compact, based around the medieval hospital complex and the several streets of shops and old buildings surrounding the center. Wander around, get your bearings and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the assortment of cafes on Place Carnot.

We suggest you take a walking tour of Historic Beaune to gain a better understanding of the history of the area and why Beaune is the center of the wine growing industry in Burgundy. Alternatively, take a stroll around the ramparts, just over a mile long, and en route you will also see some medieval half-timbered houses as well as the Porte Saint-Nocholas, one of the original gateways that controlled access to Beune town center; the Chateau de Beaune; the gardens and statues of the Theatre de Verdure and the Square des Lions.

As the evening approaches find a restaurant to indulge in the best of Burgundy`s cuisine. At nearly every bistro in town, you`ll find beef bourguignon, a hearty stew of beef braised in red wine, and escargots, snails cooked in garlic, butter, and parsley. There are dozens of bistros to choose from in and around the town square.

After a relaxing dinner, head back to the hotel for a good night`s rest.

Day 2 in Beaune

Wake up early for a busy day exploring more intimately the unofficial wine capital of Burgundy.

If you`re in town on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, check out Beaune`s central square that comes alive with a farmer`s market. Here you`ll discover local farmers and artisans selling everything from whole black truffles and massive farmhouse sausages to dried herbs and natural honey. A plethora of the region`s best food is on display - grab some breakfast and some local souvenirs like hand-stitched linens or homemade soaps. (The Saturday market is the much larger of the two, but even on Wednesdays you`ll find at least two dozen vendors.)

After breakfast, head over to the principal attraction in Beaune, the beautiful Hotel-Dieu. Found in the heart of the walled old-town, the Hotel-Dieu was a hospital in the 15th-century, and has now been immaculately preserved and renovated. It is configured around a courtyard with a porch on the lower floor with columns supporting a beautiful gallery that runs around the first floor. As you enter into the furnished kitchen and ward interiors - in particular, see the grand `sale des maladies`, refurbished as it might have appeared 500 years ago. Other highlights in the Hotel-Dieu complex are the wells, the kitchens and the ancient pharmacy.

Directly in front of the Hotel-Dieu there is the Marché aux Vins, which is a wonderful introduction to Burgundy, offering tasting sessions of a great selection of the region`s wines in one place. Bartoux contemporary art gallery is also housed on the premises offering some amazing artwork from some well-known artists.

Take some time to visit the Church of Notre-Dame, which has some impressive 15th-century wall hangings (tapestries) relating the story of the life of the Virgin Mary, and the clock tower in Beaune, dating from the 12th-century, is a classified historic monument.

There are several museums in Beaune including the Burgundy Wine Museum, housed in the 15th-century residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. Here you can see the winemaking tools and machines as well as learn more about the winemaking history of the region.

Next, head over to the mustard factory Fallot, the last independent family mustard mill in Burgundy. A guided tour will give you a look at mustard production then and now and teach you about the mustard-making process, which is a fascinating one as you`ll learn. Even if you don`t take a tour, you can sample to your heart`s content from more than a dozen varieties of mustard such as peppercorn, honey, balsamic, and even curry.

Wind down your day getting a taste of the Burgundy wine cellars, there are many located in the historic center of Beaune. Many offer tours with some hidden surprises, exceptional tastings, and unbelievable hospitality.

After a busy day of sightseeing, enjoy a relaxing evening taking in the gastronomic delicacies that have put Beaune on the map. This town is a haven for high-class, fashionable cuisine.

Day 3 in Beaune

Saddle up to explore a bit outside of town, there`s no better way than by bike on the Véloroute (cycle route). The route of the Grand Crus runs 37 miles from north to south, mostly through the vineyards. From Beaune, it`s barely 15 minutes by bike (three miles) south to Pommard, which is known for high-quality red wine. If you`re feeling slightly more ambitious, bike the six miles to Mersault then take your time coming back, stopping in Mersault, Volnay, and Pommard - just be prepared to speak a bit of French as many winemakers don`t speak English. Also, plan for a long lunch between noon and 2 p.m., when most shops close.

Additional Days in Beaune

Tour more of the Burgundy Wine Region, many of the world`s most desirable wine appellations are within an hour`s drive. To the north lies the Côte de Nuits, famed for its red Pinot Noir vineyards with mythical appellations such as La Romanée and Richebourg. To the south lies Côte de Beaune, home to the great names of white chardonnay wines such as Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet.

Explore as many of the prestigious appellations as you can, step into caves and wineries, taste the best wine in the world, meet the people who make it and relish in the green countryside and amazing atmosphere of this wine heaven.

Your Last Day in Beaune

Depart your hotel for the airport for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the Burgundy Wine Region.