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Beaune
Overview
Beaune (French pronunciation: [bon] ; in Burgundian: Beane) is a town in eastern France widely considered the wine capital of Burgundy, in the Côte-d'Or department. It is between Lyon and Dijon. Beaune is one of France's key wine centers and a major hub of Burgundy wine production and business. The Hospices de Beaune's annual wine auction is the primary wine auction in France. The town is surrounded by some of the world's most famous wine villages, such as Meursault or Puligny Montrachet, while the facilities and cellars of many producers, large and small, are in the historic center of Beaune itself, as they have been since Roman times. With a rich historical and architectural heritage, Beaune is considered the "Capital of Burgundy wines". It is an ancient town on a plain by the hills of the Côte d'Or, with features from pre-Roman and Roman eras through the medieval and Renaissance periods. Beaune is a walled city, with much of the battlements, ramparts, and moat having survived in good condition. The central "old town" within the walls is extensive. Historically Beaune is intimately connected with the Dukes of Burgundy. The 15th-century Hospices de Beaune, in the town center, is one of Europe's best-preserved Renaissance buildings. Other landmarks in Beaune include the old market (les Halles), the Beffroi (clock tower), and the collegiate church of Notre Dame. Beaune is the main center of the region's "Burgundian tile" polychrome Renaissance roofing style. Because of its historical importance in wine production and the unique system of terroir in the region, the town of Beaune was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015 as part of the Climats, terroirs of Burgundy site.
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Source
WBP almanac
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Media
From Wikipedia1,538 words
WBP editorial3
Wine‑touring beyond the grand crus
While Beaune is the gateway to Burgundy's prestigious vineyards, the real texture of the region reveals itself in the small, family‑run domaines that sit on the town’s outskirts. Instead of booking a guided tour that shuttles you between famous appellations, rent a bicycle and follow the narrow lanes that link vineyards like Domaine des Héritiers or Clos de la Bourguignonne. These producers often welcome casual visitors, offering a quick tasting over a wooden table in the cellar, where you can compare the subtle differences between a lightly oak‑aged Pinot Noir and a more robust Gevrey‑Chambertin without the pressure of formal service. The informal setting also grants a glimpse of the seasonal rhythms – from the pruning in winter to the bustling harvest in September – that shape each bottle’s character.
Eating like a local in the market halls
Beaune’s covered market, held every Saturday, is a microcosm of Burgundian gastronomy that seldom makes it into guidebooks. Arrive early to witness the stalls being stocked with freshly butchered charcuterie, locally cured saucissons, and whole chickens destined for the classic coq au vin. The real advantage lies in the opportunity to chat with the stallholders, many of whom are generational farmers who will recommend a particular wine to pair with a cheese they are currently aging on the premises. Grab a flaky butter croissant from the bakery stall, fold it around a slice of “Epoisses” and a drizzle of local honey – a simple yet authentic snack that captures the region’s balance of indulgence and restraint.