Day 2
Breakfast is at La Terre D’Or as it will be each morning of your stay and it consists of typical French fare – croissants, cheese, coffee, fruit and other delights. Today’s events are an exploration of Beaune itself.
The first visit of the day is a guided tour of the l’Hôtel-Dieu, Beaune’s most iconic building, founded in 1443.
With the passing of time, various donations of vineyards to the Hôtel-Dieu allowed it to become self-funding by virtue of the auction of the Hospices de Beaune, a yearly event. It became a community of carers, grouping with similar establishments in Pommard, Nolay, and Meursault and known as the "Hospices de Beaune". Many donations of - farms, property, woods, works of art and of course vineyards were gifted to it, by grateful families and generous benefactors. It was receiving patients up until as recently as the 1970s.
After coffee, the next stop is the Cave (Wine Cellar) – Maison de Vin. Just across the road from the Hôtel-Dieu these cellars are under an old church and here you will have a private guided tour and tasting.
Lunch is at the Le Conty, a local Beaune café noted for its food, where the menu features the produce and recipes of Burgundy.
The afternoon begins with cheese tasting at Fromagerie Alain Hess, recognised as the fromager in Burgundy. He is famous for his Délice de Pommard. This is a soft, triple cream cheese shaped as a globe and covered in mustard seeds.
Next is a short walk and visit to the magnificent Musée du Vin de Bourgogne, originally the Burgundy Dukes residence from the 13th to the 16th century and founded by André Lagrange and Georges Henri Riviere.
Finally, we return to La Terre D’Or, for some well-earned relaxationbeside the pool and perhaps a glass of Crémant.
Tonight we dine at La Benaton, a one star Michelin restaurant in Beaune. Chef Bruce Monnier gained his Michelin star in 2006 and, while still respecting the fine culinary traditions of Burgundy, is noted for his fusion style of cooking.
Links to Attractions Visited
l’Hôtel-Dieu created by Nicolas Rolin, and his wife Guigone de Salins, who decided to create a hospital and refuge for the poor. (However, the locals tell a different story).
Le Conty, a local Beaune café.
Fromagerie Alain Hess is the most prominent fromager in Burgundy.
Musée du Vin de Bourgogne, houses wine presses, antique viticultural wine related art, the evolution of the wine bottle and a collection of wine related tapestries.
La Benaton, a one star Michelin restaurant.
Gallery
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