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| Cote d'Or, Burgundy, France |
Beaune stands at the heart of the Burgundy wine region of France and is located on the Route des Grande Crus, or the Road of Great Wines. This commune of 22,000 residents lies south of Dijon within the Cote de Beaune, the southern portion of the Cote d’Or, from which the most famous and most expensive wines of the Burgundy wine region originate. The Cote d’Or, or the Golden Hillside, is an area of varied and interesting landscapes that contains the basins of three different rivers and a south-east facing limestone ridge which is home to the great names in Burgundy wines. Beaune is the commercial centre and hub of the region’s wine industry.
This charming medieval town is a popular tourist destination, with visitors attracted not just for the wines but also for the 15th century Hotel Dieu de Beaune, which was once a charitable almshouse. This historic building is the town’s main attraction and is known for its distinctive patterned and multi-coloured roof. The building is a masterpiece of Flemish-Burgundian architecture and houses the Museum of the Hotel Dieu which contains over 5,000 historic artefacts and covers three cobble-stoned courtyards, outbuildings, 15th century bastion and hundreds of metres of cellars that house the personal reserve of the Hospice. Within the four buildings which are open to the public can be seen the ‘Hall of the Poor’, the ancient pharmacy and the rooms of Sainte-Anne, Saint Nicholas, Saint Hugues and Saint Louis. The buildings also contain the kitchen, which has been restored to its 19th century condition, and the original water wells.
The Hotel Dieu is located at the heart of the old walled town which retains some of its original ramparts and gates, including the Porte Marie de Bourgogne in the south and the Porte Saint Nicolas in the north. Within these original city walls are typical medieval cobble-stoned streets which are lined with historic mansions and half-timbered houses, and where it is possible to find sunny, flowering gardens and squares that are dotted with cafes. Located amongst the tightly clustered historic quarter can be found the 12th century clock tower - the Collegiale Notre Dame Basilica which is one of the last Burgundian Romanesque churches and today houses five, 15th century wool and silk tapestries displaying of the life of the Virgin Mary – the Museum of Burgundy Wine that is housed within the Hotel Dieu and exhibits all you need to know of fine Burgundy wines - the Museum of Fine Arts which contains Flemish art and a good collection of archaeological artefacts from the Roman period – and the Museum of Etienne-Jules Marey which exhibits the art of chronophotography, a sequence of actions recorded by a number of still photographs. This 19th century technique led to the development of cinematography.
Famous for its gastronomy, Beaune boasts over 100 restaurants and 500 shops that add to the pleasure of exploring this unique centre. Located in an area of deep forests, rolling hills and dales, open fields, vineyards, orchards and medieval towns and villages, Beaune is a great place from which to explore this picturesque region. The surrounding villages of Savigny-les-Beaune, Pommard and Volnay offer visitors an excellent opportunity to sample some of the full-bodied reds for which the Burgundy wine region is best known.
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Mercure Beaune Centre Hotel
Beaune
 |  Located close to the city center, the famous Hospices de Beaune medieval hospital and major highway links, the hotel is an ideal base for discovering our town, region, vineyards and cuisine. |
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Wonders of Europe
12 days |  This tour moves at a fast pace and covers 7 countries in 12 days. It will suit those travellers who have limited time and want to see quite a bit. There are two night stays in Rome and Paris. Begin in London with a full day to explore the city, then cross the Channel by ferry and continue by motor... |
Traditional Europe
18 days |  Explore Europe's most traditional areas, visiting 10 countries in total! This is a great opportunity for first-time Europe travellers as the tour will give you the best insight to what Europe was, is and where it's headed! See London, Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Nice, Cannes, Paris and more.
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European Whirl
12 days |  European Whirl visits 8 countries in 12 days. See the sights of Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France & the United Kingdom. The famous and beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne and Paris with all the hidden wonders in between. You'll drive... |
Best of Europe
16 days |  This tour is a much more leisurely tour of Europe visiting five countries in 16 Days. There are five two night stays and these allow you time for relaxation and some free time.
This classic tour of Western Europe includes the must-see cities and sights. Begin in London with time to see the major... |
Grand European
21 days |  Experience the handsome jewels of Europe's crown including London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna and Paris. Spend seven nights in glorious Italy where you can really get to know Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and more. See the natural wonders of the Rhine Valley and the Isle of Capri too.
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Europe's Highlights
13 days | This tour will suit those travellers who have a limited time and want to see as much as possible. The tour moves at a fast pace through the first half of the trip and then there are two nights in Rome and ending the trip with three wonderful nights in Paris.
Leave London in the early morning and... |
Country Roads of France
16 days |  This tour attracts the experienced traveller who wishes to delve deeper into the diversity of France and its way of life with special emphasis on the delights of French cuisine, fine wines and Champagne. After leaving Paris you will travel through the Champagne and Burgundy regions, stopping at the... |
Best of France
13 days | Sample delicious local wine in Lyon, relax in Nice and see a panoramic view of the elegant city of Paris from the second level of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll be spoiled for gourmet food, fine wines and beautiful countryside during this tour, which includes visits to Cannes, Monaco and Bordeaux too.
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European Interlude
15 days |  This brilliant tour is a fusion of some of the best-loved cities in European, including Amsterdam, Vienna, Rome, Florence, Innsbruck, Lucerne and Paris. See Big Ben and shop in London’s Knightsbridge, view Cologne’s gothic cathedral, visit Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg and cruise Venice’s canals. ... |
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