A city break exploring Beaune and Dijon in Burgundy

Burgundy, a place of great food, delightful landscapes, and famous wines, holds a special place in my heart. I recall my last visit, a wine-tasting trip in the Chassagne-Montrachet area during the autumn. The leaves on the trees started turning yellow and tan, creating a picturesque scene. The early morning walks, with the fallen leaves moving with my steps and the fog lifting over the vineyards, were truly magical. Burgundy, to me, is the epitome of French Gastronomy and Wine.

So, when the chance to explore Dijon for a weekend presented itself, I seized it without a second thought. In this post, I’m embarking on a virtual tour of Beaune and Dijon, sharing some of the unique places I’ve enjoyed visiting, including a remarkable restaurant in Beaune. Join me as I unfold these extraordinary experiences.

1- Beaune

When I think of Beaune, I’m reminded of the iconic French movie, La Grande Vadrouille, a true classic of French cinema. A significant part of this masterpiece was filmed at The Hospices de Beaune, also known as Hôtel-Dieu, a place steeped in history and culture.

The story of the Hotel-Dieu dates back to the 15th century. In 1443, the Chancellor of Burgundy and his wife founded the Hôtel–Dieu on the model of a Flemish hospital. At the time, Burgundy was ruled by Philip the Good (1419-1467), one of the most powerful Dukes. Under his rule, most of the Low Countries, including Flanders, came under Burgundian control.

This 15th-century architectural marvel, a testament to the grandeur of Burgundian design, is instantly recognisable by its vibrant, geometric-patterned roof tiles. It’s a sight that never fails to inspire awe.

This is an excerpt from my travel notes published on Substack.
Read the full story here.