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A two-story stone building with a "RESTAURANT" sign on the roof and "La Roseraie" written in cursive above the ground-floor entrance, featuring white shutters, a balcony, and potted plants.
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3-day itinerary

Extended Beaune Experience

3-day Burgundy wine route and heritage tour

Length
3 days · 7 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
€346 per person
Based in
Beaune

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Beaune Historic Center & Wine Heritage

    Explore the heart of Beaune, focusing on its medieval architecture, the famous Hospices, and the history of Burgundy wine.

    • 09:00

      Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu)

      Visit the iconic 15th-century Gothic hospital with its colorful glazed tile roof. Explore the chapel and the main ward.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 10:30

      Musée des Beaux-Arts de Beaune

      Located in the former Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne, this museum features a significant collection of Burgundian art and tapestries.

      About 60 min

    • 12:00

      Lunch in the Old Town

      Enjoy a traditional Burgundian lunch at a bistro near the Place Darcy or Rue de la Liberté.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 14:00

      Musée du Vin de Bourgogne

      Visit the wine museum housed in the former ducal palace to learn about the history and production of Burgundy wines.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:30

      Église Notre-Dame de Beaune

      Admire this 12th-century basilica, known for its rare 15th-century tapestries and Gothic architecture.

      About 60 min

    • 17:00

      Wine Tasting in Beaune

      Visit a local cave or wine shop for a guided tasting of regional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Beaune Old Town; Dinner at Beaune Center
    Where to stay:
    Stay in a hotel or B&B within Beaune's historic center for easy access to attractions.
    Getting around:
    All activities are within walking distance in the compact old town.

  2. Day 2: The Côte de Nuits & Vineyard Walks

    Drive along the scenic D974 wine route, visiting prestigious villages and exploring the vineyards on foot.

    • 09:30

      Drive to Gevrey-Chambertin

      Drive north from Beaune along the D974 (La Côte d'Or), passing through Nuits-Saint-Georges and Vosne-Romanée.

      About 45 min

    • 10:30

      Vineyard Walks near Gevrey-Chambertin

      Walk through the UNESCO-listed vineyard trails. This area is famous for its Grand Cru vineyards.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Gevrey-Chambertin

      Lunch at a local restaurant in Gevrey-Chambertin, sampling regional specialties.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 14:30

      Clos de Vougeot

      Visit the 12th-century Cîteaux Abbey château. Tour the castle and the famous vineyard, and enjoy a wine tasting at the end.

      About 2 hours

    • 17:00

      Musée des Vins de Bourgogne (Auxey-Duresses)

      Return to Beaune for the Musée du Vin de Bourgogne in the former residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, or stop at a tasting room in Auxey-Duresses on the way back.

      About 60 min

    • 19:00

      Dinner in Beaune

      Return to Beaune for dinner.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Gevrey-Chambertin; Dinner at Beaune
    Where to stay:
    Return to Beaune accommodation.
    Getting around:
    Car is essential for this day. Parking is available in Gevrey-Chambertin and Clos de Vougeot.

  3. Day 3: Fontenay Abbey & Dijon Day Trip

    Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Fontenay Abbey and take a short train or drive to Dijon for its historical center.

    • 09:00

      Drive to Fontenay Abbey

      Drive south from Beaune to Fontenay Abbey (approx. 40km).

      About 45 min

    • 10:00

      Fontenay Abbey

      Visit this well-preserved Cistercian abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the church, cloister, and monk's cells.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:30

      Travel to Dijon

      Drive or take a train from Beaune to Dijon (approx. 1 hour by train, 45 mins by car).

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Dijon Old Town

      Walk around Place de la Libération, see the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, and the Notre-Dame de Dijon church.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:00

      Afternoon Snack & Mustard Tasting

      Try Dijon mustard and local pastries in the old town.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 18:00

      Return to Beaune

      Drive or train back to Beaune.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Near Fontenay Abbey or Dijon; Dinner at Beaune
    Where to stay:
    Final night in Beaune.
    Getting around:
    Car or public transport (train) to Dijon. Car offers more flexibility for Fontenay Abbey.

Practical information

For an extended three-day experience in Beaune, the optimal visiting window is from May to October, when weather is mild and vineyards are lush. September and October offer the added benefit of harvest season, providing vibrant local atmosphere and unique wine-related events. While summer brings peak tourism and higher prices, spring and autumn provide a more relaxed pace with comfortable temperatures for walking and outdoor dining. Winter visits are possible but require preparation for colder weather and limited daylight hours, with some rural attractions potentially closing early. Transportation in Burgundy is significantly easier with a rental car. While Beaune is accessible by train from Paris or Lyon, a car is essential for exploring the surrounding wine villages and rural sites efficiently. Upon arrival, park your vehicle in designated areas near the city center to avoid narrow, congested streets. For day trips, utilize the D974 road (La Côte d’Or) instead of the highway to experience the scenic wine route between Dijon and Beaune. This route passes through prestigious villages like Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges, offering convenient stops for tastings and sightseeing. Public transport exists but is infrequent in rural areas, making a car the most practical choice for a three-day itinerary. Accommodation options vary significantly in character and location. While staying within Beaune provides easy access to the Hospices de Beaune and the city’s culinary scene, many travelers prefer the charm of nearby villages. Consider bases in Avallon, Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, or smaller hamlets near Montreal for a quieter, more authentic Burgundian experience. If you prefer city amenities, hotels like La Maison de Maurice or Solstice Hotel Beaune offer central locations. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially during harvest season. Budget considerations should account for the premium nature of Burgundy tourism. Costs typically include accommodation, car rental, fuel, and parking. Wine tastings and meals at renowned establishments like Au Coq Bleu or Restaurant Rebond can be expensive, so allocate a significant portion of your budget for dining and wine purchases. Entrance fees for sites like Fontenay Abbey and Chateau de Corton-André are additional. Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets, layers for variable weather, and a reusable water bottle. Always carry a physical map or offline GPS, as cell service can be spotty in rural vineyards. Finally, respect local customs by learning basic French phrases and adhering to strict no-drinking-in-public laws outside of designated dining areas.

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