Beaune and Dijon: Wine, Villages and Burgundy
Beaune is a small town in the Burgundy region and one of our favorite places to escape for a few days. It has great wine, countryside walks, fall colors, charming squares, and easy day trips. We have returned several times with family, friends, and our dog, and never run out of things to explore.
If you’re planning more Burgundy travel, check out our guides to Burgundy, Champagne, and Alsace for more small towns, vineyards, and seasonal trips that pair well with Beaune.
Exploring Beaune
The first time we visited Beaune, we stayed in a tiny village just outside town. We had an Airbnb surrounded by vineyards, a bakery and a post office. When we walked the dog in the morning, we expected Belle from Beauty and the Beast to open a window and start singing. It really was that cute.
Wine is life here and vineyards are everywhere. Tasting opportunities are easy to find and many vineyards in the area are family-run. We did a private tasting at Domaine Bertillon. The tasting took place in a cellar with homemade snacks and five wines. The winemaker himself hosted us and was incredibly kind and passionate.
Old Town Beaune
In the center of Beaune you’ll find beautiful medieval streets, charming shops, and great restaurants. Beef bourguignon is from this area and is worth ordering at every chance you get, ideally with a glass of Pinot Noir. Escargot is also local and this is the best place to try it. There are outdoor cafés, cobblestone streets, and enough corners to wander for hours.
Wine Country Walks and Bike Trails
There are excellent biking and walking paths all around Beaune. The Voie des Vignes is a bike trail between Beaune and Santenay and is an easy way to spend a morning. You can also explore vineyard roads and the Grands Cru route by car. The scenery is beautiful year-round, but especially in fall.
Travel Tip: Paris activities fill up, especially in summer and over holidays. Skip-the-line tickets are worth it for teens since waiting in line drains the fun quickly. We recommend checking Viator or GetYourGuide for easy booking and flexible cancellation.
A Day Trip to Dijon
Dijon is just 30 minutes from Beaune and is definitely worth a visit. A fun way to explore is to follow the Owl Trail, a marked path through the city that leads you past historic buildings, squares, and botanical gardens. It is an easy walk for all ages and a great way to get familiar with the area.
Make sure to stop at Maille’s mustard shop and sample all the varieties. Dijon is an excellent spot for lunch, parks, bakeries, and half-day sightseeing before returning to Beaune.
Where to Stay
We have stayed twice at the Mercure Beaune Centre. It is about a ten-minute walk to Queen’s Gate and far enough from the main square to stay quiet. The rooms are basic but clean, dog friendly, and affordable. The property has a pool and a restaurant, and a bakery and parking are across the street.
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Know Before You Go
When to visit: Fall is our favorite time for vineyard colors and cooler weather. Spring is also beautiful. Summer is lively and great for outdoor cafés and swimming spots.
Getting around: Walking and biking are easy. Trails are well-marked and car access makes it simple to explore nearby villages.
Wine tastings: Book skip-the-line tastings or winery tours if traveling during peak fall or holidays. Small vineyards often require reservations.
Dining: Old Town Beaune has great casual restaurants and outdoor seating. Try local specialties like beef bourguignon, escargot, and anything with regional cheeses.
Dog friendly: Vineyards, village walks, parks, and many outdoor restaurants were dog friendly on our visits.nd exploring the cityl walks
Planning More Travel in France?
Things to Do in Beaune – Burgundy’s wine capital with historic cellars and tastings
Things to Do in Champagne – Iconic houses, vineyard tours and sparkling wine
Things to Do in Provence – Lavender fields, rosé tastings and sunny hilltop villages