Located in the heart of France’s Cote d’Or, Beaune is an ideal spot from which to visit the wineries that produce some of the world’s most famous wines such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault and Romanée-Conti.
Beaune also hosts the annual wine auction of the Hospices de Beaune at the Hotel-Dieu, the primary wine auction in France and a visit to the Hotel is a must.
The Hotel-Dieu, with its Gothic facades, glazed roofs, covered with geometrical figures in flamboyant colors, is part of the heritage of the Hospices de Beaune, a charitable institution providing care for the indigent founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy and his wife Guigone Salins. Exceptionally well-preserved, it is a rare example of civil architecture of the Middle Ages. Its rooms house an extensive collection of objects, furniture and tapestries including the mural paintings of the 17th century in the Salle St Hugues and an altarpiece, The Last Judgment by van der Weyden.
Since 1851 the Hotel-Dieu has been home to perhaps the world’s most famous wine auction. It takes place on the third Sunday in November amid a three-day festival devoted to the food and wines of Burgundy called Les Trois Glorieuses.The charity is preceded by a black tie dinner at the Clos de Vougeot on day one and followed by the lunch La Paulée de Meursault on day three. The Domaine des Hospices de Beaune is a non-profit organization which owns around 61 hectares (150 acres) of donated vineyard land, much of this classified Grand and Premier cru. With bidding by professional and private buyers, the barrels, from 31 cuvées of red wine and 13 of white wine, attain prices usually well in excess of the current commercial values, although the results give some indication of the trend in expected bulk wine prices for the vintage from the rest of the region.[
The auction has been organized by Christie’s since 2005, setting a record total figure at the 149th auction in 2009 when 799 barrels were up for sale, and 40% bids by telephone, internet or fax connecting some 500 participants from around the world, the auction has in recent years evolved from a wholesale market to a retail market.
Hotel-Dieu, Rue de l’Hôtel Dieu
Daily from 9AM-6:30PM
In the heart of Beaune one finds the mustard factory and tasting rooms of Edmond Fallot, the last independent producer in Burgundy. In a country where per capita consumption is 1 kilo they produce over 2,000 tons of classic and herbed mustards.
La Moutarderie Fallot
31 rue du Faubourg Bretonnière
Tél. +33 (0)3 80 22 10 02
The Hôtel de la Poste was built in 1660 and renovated in the nineteenth century. It is just a few steps from the center of the old town and its monuments.
You will find 36 rooms equipped with every modern convenience including FREE wi-fi.
Hôtel de la Poste
3-5 Boulevard Clémenceau
tél. : 03.80.22.08.11
| As featured in Travels in France with Terrance |
