Beaune

About

Founded as a Roman fort around the 1st century AD and had become a prosperous wine-growing region by the Middle Ages. Today, the village is still surrounded by old ramparts, guarding its beautiful old town. Among the many beautiful Renaissance mansions and half-timbered, the Hôtel-Dieu stands out. With its brightly patterned roof tiles this former charity hospital is now a 15th-century gem of Burgundian architecture. Today, along with a medical museum, visitors can marvel at the magnificent ceremonial courtyard, the Gothic chapel, and stupendous 15th century polyptych of the Last Judgement. Every November they host the world's largest wine auction. Speaking of wine, the 14th century palace that once belonged to the Dukes of Burgundy now houses the Museum of Burgundy Wine, where ethnographic and artistic exhibits tell the history of the vineyard and winemaking.