The old town of Beaune (pop. 22,916), on the Bouzaise. Originally a Roman foundation (Belna or Belena), it was a residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. Beaune's great attraction for visitors lies in its numerous medieval houses. The central feature of the town is the Place Monge, with a tower of the 13th/14th century, which now houses a museum of archeology and natural history, and the Hôtel de la Rochepot (16th century), which has beautiful courtyards.
The main tourist attraction in Beaune is the Hôtel-Dieu, known for its colorful glazed tiled roof displaying geometric patterns. It is a fine example of Flemish Gothic architecture, and contains a museum.
The Archéodrome, situated near the motorway junction on the east side of Beaune, is an open-air museum illustrating the development of human settlement in Burgundy from the time when men first began to make tools until the end of the Roman period.
The Archéodrome closed in October 31, 2005.
Address: Archéodrome de Bourgogne, F-21190 Meursault, France
Parked on the grounds of Chateau de Savigny, this unique museum houses many modern-day jet aircraft. Of particular note in this collection is the Mirage IIIR, a number of Thunderstreaks and a pair of Starfighters.
Address: Musee du Chateau de Savigny, F-21420 Savigny-les-Beaune, France
In Beaune, north of the Hôtel-Dieu is the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame, a three-aisled basilica in Cluniac style with transepts, a choir ending in a semicircular apse and a square tower over the crossing. As a result of later extensions the exterior of the church is largely Gothic. The interior (modeled on Autun) has fine 15th C stained glass, medieval frescoes and 15th C tapestries.
Read More
Hôtel-Dieu
Read More
Read Less
Hôtel-Dieu, Beaune
Beaune
