Beaune is one of the key wine centers in France and the annual wine
auction of the Hospices de Beaune is the primary wine auction in France.
The town is surrounded by some of the world's most famous wine
villages, while the facilities and cellars of many producers, large and
small, are situated in Beaune itself. With a rich historical and
architectural heritage, Beaune is considered the "Capital of Burgundy
wines".
It is an ancient and historic town on a plain by the hills of
the Cote d'Or, with features remaining from the pre - Roman and Roman
eras, through the medieval and renaissance periods and up to recent
history and modern times.
Beaune is a walled city, with about half of
the battlements, ramparts, and the moat, having survived and in good
condition, and the central "old town" is extensive. Historically Beaune
is intimately connected with the Dukes of Burgundy.
Landmarks in Beaune include the Halles, the Hospices, the Beffroi, and Notre Dame.
There
is a comprehensive "traditional" shopping area clustered around the
central square with a focus on gourmet food, fashion, and wine, while
large supermarkets, business parks, etc., are situated on the outskirts
of town.
Beaune is the center for wine industry services (such as
tractors and equipment for vat-rooms) as well as a number of
wine-related institutes and education facilities. The train station is
served by TGV, through Dijon or Lyon.
Beaune has a major fine food
market on Saturdays, where there are a large number of stall holders
supplying a broad selection of products and specialties from Burgundy
and the surrounding regions.
Although Beaune is not primarily a
tourist town but one centred around the wine industry, it nevertheless
attracts a large amount of tourism. About five traditional smaller
hotels are located within the city walls with around five chain hotels
on the outskirts.
Technically
