Best of Beaune

Picture-perfect Beaune is the epicenter of Burgundy's wine country. Originally founded as a Roman fort, the town flourished during the medieval era, when it served as the seat of the prosperous Dukes of Burgundy. Today, you'll find a maze of honey-colored limestone buildings and narrow cobbled streets, all set within 900-year-old stone ramparts and surrounded by the rolling vineyards of the Côte d'Or (Golden Slope). There's plenty to explore below the surface, too: the town is built atop ancient subterranean wine cellars, still used by the region's most prestigious estates.

A great place to start is within the pedestrian-friendly center, where life revolves around the Place de la Halle, a charming square lined with artisan shops, cafés, and a renowned covered market. Next door lies the Hospices de Beaune, a remarkable 15th-century almshouse known for its flamboyant Gothic architecture and distinctive glazed tile roof. History buffs can learn more with a private guided stroll through its many galleries, while gourmands might want to take an afternoon cooking class, learning to pair regional dishes like boeuf bourguignon with Burgundy's best Grand Crus wines. Oenophiles should hop on an e-bike for a relaxed day of tastings along the 37-mile (60 km) Route des Grands Crus, which links Beaune with an endless procession of vineyards and wine villages.