The perfect weekend in Beaune for wine lovers

For wine lovers worldwide, planning a trip to Beaune is like a dream come true. Quaint cafés, sun-drenched terrasses, a bustling weekend market and wine-soaked meals all the day long – what more could you want? In terms of discovering the city itself, a weekend’s worth of time is plenty – however, despite its small size, knowing where to go is key. Check out our weekend in Beaune guide for all of the top spots (industry and winemaker approved) for an unforgettable stay here.

Friday

Maison du Colombier. Credit: Fabien Olart / Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo

Afternoon

Arriving in Beaune from Paris takes approximately 3.5 hours by car or 2h15 to 3h35 by train, depending on which line (fast TGV or local TER) is used. Both means have their pros and cons. Having a car on hand is essential for visits throughout the region, so renting one from Paris may be more convenient, however, taking the train down and renting directly in Beaune is also an option.

Opened in June 2024, Crème has quickly become the go-to coffee-meets-wine joint for locals and tourists alike. This compact-sized coffee shop opens with coffee and brunch favourites (think cinnamon buns, egg sandwiches and more), all prepared in the café’s open kitchen. By evening, the spot quickly shifts into wine bar mode, and has become a local haunt for a myriad of regional winemakers. Expect to rub shoulders with some of Burgundy’s most dynamic names, all while sharing bottles in a convivial, friendly ambiance. Best of all, the kitchen is open all day long, meaning no food-free pauses between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner.

Evening

Start the evening with a bottle of wine or by-the-glass pours and apéro-essential small plates at Maison du Colombier. The bar’s quaint ambiance and bible-like wine list – Burgundy heavy, of course – is loaded with classics and up-and-comers alike, as well as a good amount of trophy bottles for those looking to splurge. Despite its epic wine selection, Maison du Colombier is better known for its drink than its food. Expect small bites and tapas perfect for pre-dinner snacking.

Head to dinner at Caves Madeleine, arguably the best restaurant in Beaune. Located on the, albeit, small, limits of the city’s main borders, the restaurant’s quaint space and poster-laden walls offer a homey and warming ambiance. Expect hearty, seasonal cuisine and classic French dishes served up alongside a 500-reference long wine list. Reservations are recommended.

Post-dinner, take the 10-minute walk over to La Dilettante, a laid-back wine bar with an excellent selection of both traditional and natural wines. The food offerings are small yet substantial and include croque monsieurs, local cheese plates and salads, though the star of the show is really the wine here – and don’t be surprised to bump shoulders with local young winemakers late into the evening.

Saturday

Slanted Door. Credit: Vicki Denig

Morning

Start the day with coffee and delectable pastries – or a heartier breakfast of eggs, quiches or other bread-heavy favourites – at l’Imprimerie, located just outside of the city’s limits (though certainly walkable from anywhere in town). This spot operates as a café, chambre d’hôtes, and co-working space alike, and includes both ample outdoor seating and cosy indoor ambiances. Locals can agree that this is undeniably where to get the best coffee in Beaune today.

Once caffeinated, hitting the Beaune Saturday market is an absolute must. Scour the selection of fresh produce, pungent cheeses and meat products indoors, then peruse the numerous streets lined with antique goods, which include kitchenware, vintage wine posters and a number of other knick-knacks. Similar to La Dilettante, don’t be surprised to run into winemakers here – countless locals in and around Beaune head to the market on Saturday mornings in search of their weekly fresh goods.

Afternoon

Although there are plenty of terrasses to lunch on in Beaune, for a…