Beaune is the wine capital of Burgundy, and one of France's most beautiful small towns. From Château la Commaraine in Pommard, it is just 10 minutes away. Our Guest Experience Makers, the team who shape each guest's stay, take travellers there all the time. Here are their 15 highlights, from heritage and wine cellars to markets and escapes into the vineyards.
1. The Hôtel-Dieu of the Hospices de Beaune
This is the monument people come from all over the world to see. Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins, the Hôtel-Dieu cared for the poor and the sick. Its courtyard and glazed-tile roofs, with their geometric patterns, have become the emblem of Burgundy. Allow around 1h30 for the visit.
2. The Last Judgement Polyptych
Inside the Hôtel-Dieu, don't miss Rogier van der Weyden's Last Judgement polyptych, a 15th-century masterpiece of Flemish painting commissioned by Nicolas Rolin. A magnifying lens lets you study every detail.
3. A Walk Along the Ramparts
Beaune has kept nearly 2 kilometres of 15th-century ramparts. The tree-lined path that follows them, dotted with bastions, offers lovely views over the old town's rooftops and the former moats, now gardens. Perfect for a late-afternoon stroll.
4. The Saturday Morning Market
On Saturday mornings, the market sets up around the covered halls in the town centre: cheeses, charcuterie, snails, gingerbread and local produce. It is one of our guests' favourite moments. A smaller market is also held on Wednesdays. Our favourite local markets, from Beaune to Nuits-Saint-Georges and Chagny.
5. The Collégiale Notre-Dame
Less famous than the Hôtel-Dieu, the Collégiale Notre-Dame is a fine example of Burgundian Romanesque architecture. It houses 15th-century tapestries depicting the life of the Virgin, displayed in the choir at certain times.
6. The Burgundy Wine Museum
Housed in the former residence of the Dukes of Burgundy on Rue d'Enfer, the Musée du Vin de Bourgogne tells the story of the vine and wine: old tools, monumental presses and a beautiful courtyard. A good introduction before your tastings.
7. The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne
Opened in 2023 at the entrance to town and recognisable by its spiral tower, the Cité des Climats explains, through interactive exhibits, what makes Burgundy unique: its Climats, the vineyard plots listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our team often pairs it with other visits in our Burgundy History experience.
8. The Cellars Beneath the Town
A vast network of cellars stretches beneath Beaune's streets. At Patriarche Père et Fils, nearly 5 kilometres of galleries hold millions of bottles. Other houses, such as Bouchard Père & Fils or the Marché aux Vins, offer shorter visits of around 45 minutes.
9. A Tasting with a Winegrower
To go beyond the big houses, nothing beats meeting a family estate. Our Guest Experience Makers arrange tailor-made cellar visits in Beaune, Pommard, Nuits-Saint-Georges or Mercurey, to suit your taste.
10. Moutarderie Fallot
Founded in 1840, Moutarderie Fallot is Burgundy's last independent, family-run mustard mill. Discover stone-ground production, and you will rarely leave empty-handed. Other culinary addresses round out the visit: truffles, chef's picnics and dinners in the vines.
11. The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction
Every November, Beaune hosts the most famous charity auction in the wine world. All weekend, the town lives to the rhythm of the auction, tastings and festivities.
12. Pommard and the Clos de la Commaraine
Just 10 minutes from Beaune, the village of Pommard is worth the trip on its own. Its powerful yet elegant red wine won over Thomas Jefferson, who ordered 124 bottles from the estate in 1787. At Château la Commaraine, guests discover the Clos de la Commaraine, a 3.63-hectare Pommard Premier Cru Monopole farmed biodynamically, and the château's own winery. Estate tastings.
13. The Voie des Vignes by Bike
This cycle path links Dijon to Santenay via Beaune and Pommard. The Beaune to Santenay stretch, around 23 kilometres, runs through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault: easy terrain, ideal for a half-day. Our cycling, horseback and walking outings.
14. A Hot-Air Balloon Flight over the Côte
From the sky, the Côte de Beaune reveals its patchwork of Climats, stone walls and villages. A sunrise flight followed by breakfast back at the château is one of our guests' most memorable experiences. On the road or in the air: hot-air balloon, 2CV or sidecar.
15. Dinner at the Château
To end the day, head back to Pommard. Le Clos serves seasonal Burgundian cuisine overlooking the winery, while Le VIII, the gastronomic restaurant, sits beneath the vaulted ceilings of the estate's old cellar. Both are overseen by Christophe Raoux, Meilleur Ouvrier de France.
Tips from Our Guest Experience Makers
- Go early: the Hôtel-Dieu is quieter at opening time, before the groups arrive.
- Keep Saturday for the market, and book cellar visits for the afternoon.
- Leave the car behind: from Pommard, you can cycle to Beaune along the Voie des Vignes, or take a private transfer if you plan to taste.
- Book ahead in November: the town is in high demand on the Wine Auction weekend.
- Plan at least two days: one for Beaune, one for the villages of the Côte de Beaune.
Staying Near Beaune, Among the Vines
Staying in Pommard means enjoying Beaune by day and the calm of the vineyards by night. Château la Commaraine has 37 rooms and suites, most overlooking the vines, a heated outdoor pool and a spa. Our Guest Experience Makers book visits, tastings and private transfers for you. Discover all our experiences.
Key Facts
- Beaune: wine capital of Burgundy, 10 min from Château la Commaraine (Pommard)
- Top highlight: the Hôtel-Dieu of the Hospices de Beaune, founded in 1443, allow around 1h30
- Market: Saturday mornings around the covered halls (smaller market on Wednesdays)
- Ramparts: nearly 2 km of 15th-century fortifications
- Cellars: nearly 5 km of galleries beneath the town at Patriarche
- Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne: opened in 2023
- Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction: every November
- Where to stay: Château la Commaraine, five-star in Pommard; its Guest Experience Makers arrange visits, tastings and transfers
FAQ
What can I do in Beaune in one day?
Start with the Hôtel-Dieu of the Hospices de Beaune, walk the ramparts, visit a cellar beneath the town and finish at the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne. On Saturdays, add the morning market.
How long does it take to visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune?
Allow around 1h30 to visit the Hôtel-Dieu and see the Last Judgement polyptych.
When is the market in Beaune?
The main market is held on Saturday mornings around the covered halls. A smaller market takes place on Wednesdays.
How far is Pommard from Beaune?
Pommard is about 10 minutes from Beaune by car. You can also cycle there along the Voie des Vignes.
Where to stay near Beaune?
Château la Commaraine, a five-star hotel in Pommard, is 10 minutes from Beaune, set within a Pommard Premier Cru Monopole clos.
To discover Beaune from the vineyards of Pommard, book your stay at Château la Commaraine.
