One of my favorite corners of France is Burgundy, a region overflowing with edible, drinkable, scenic, and floatable delights. Its rolling hills and a handful of sleepy villages have given birth to the superior wines and fine cuisine that are so quintessentially French. The city of Beaune, snug within its medieval walls, makes a handy base for exploring the region.
You'll feel comfortable right away in this prosperous and popular town, where life centers on the prestigious wines grown in the picturesque vineyards all around. Medieval monks and the powerful dukes of Burgundy laid the groundwork that established this town's prosperity. The monks cultivated wine, while the dukes cultivated wealth.
Beaune's real charm is the town itself, which is especially vibrant on Saturday, the market day, when colorful stands fill the square. There is one must-see sight in town, the Hôtel Dieu des Hospices de Beaune, a medieval hospital. Six hundred years ago, concerned about the destiny of his soul, one of Burgundy’s wealthy sons attempted to buy a ticket to heaven by building this charity hospital.
Rich and poor alike came here to die (or occasionally get better). The colorful glazed tiles on its roof established the classic style repeated on ancient buildings all throughout Burgundy. In Beaune, every other shop seems to be selling wine.
The production and consumption of the famous Côte d’Or (“Golden Hillside”) wines is big business, and a good “nose” is a life skill worth .