BEAUNE SHOPPING
The Hospices de Beaune is in the centre, just behind Place Carnot. It is a beautiful 15th century building with a remarkable roof structure. The interior, which is now a museum, is set out as the working hospital which existed from 1452 until the 1970’s. It is one of France’s main tourist attractions.
Just opposite the Hospice is a wonderful wine paraphernalia shop called Athenaeum, which sells wine, but more interestingly, every book, map or other modern wine artefact to do with the wines of Burgundy.
For mustard, there is only one place to shop, from the place where they make it - Moutarderie Fallot, the last artisan mustard maker in Burgundy. A tour of the factory is informative and fun, followed of course by a mustard tasting, from an attractive modern boutique, with helpful and friendly assistance
Behind the new Market Hall is Place Carnot, the town’s main square, with a good selection of cafes, patisserie, and an excellent cheese shop Fromagerie Hess, 7 Place Carnot. Beaune is an affluent town, and this is reflected in the presence of elegant boutiques
To the west of the Hospices is the Cathedral Notre Dame, and just in front of the Cathedral is the wine producer Joseph Drouhin, and their caves are some of the oldest in Beaune. They offer an excellent visit followed by a tasting of their wines. Patriarch also occupy ancient cellars, as do both Bouchards – Aine, and Pere et Fils, and all are worth visiting time permitting. All of them sell their wines, but one of the best shops for buying the wines from small artisan producers, with good professional help, is Mes Bourgognes at 13 Rue d’Alsace. For Whiskies and Spirits, head to the shop of that name, at 3 Rue de L’Enfant.
Beaune is an attractive walled Medieval City and its ancient buildings within the walls are still largely in tact. After Paris, it is the next most visited city in France, and Nicolas Rolin and Guigone can take much of the credit for that. The Tourist Office can be found on the circular road around the town, in a building which also contains the Musees des Beaux Arts.