With plans to attend “A Day in Burgundy” at The Cooks Atelier in Beaune, we decided to extend our stay for the evening after our course. There’s nothing worse than rushing to catch a train after a fulfilling day of culinary delights and many glasses of wine.

The Cooks Atelier recommended a couple properties to stay at including their beautiful two bedroom apartment for longer stays. We opted to stay at Hotel Le Cep and Spa nestled in the heart of Beaune. It’s a charming boutique hotel conveniently located in the centre of town. Our garden suite was perfect, so pretty, and they were able to accommodate our request to have the bed split into twins. Plus, with a full-service spa on-site, it’s the ideal place to unwind after a day filled with food and wine tastings.

That never happened; we searched for more wine bars instead. When in France! Otherwise, it would have been a great plan. Beaune’s compact size made exploring on foot a breeze, which, in my opinion, is the best way to experience the town.

As luck would have it, Market Day falls on Saturday, which worked out perfectly for us. Even better, it’s conveniently located just around the corner from the hotel—talk about proximity! The market is a treasure trove worth exploring, featuring a selection of delicious food, quality linens, antiques, and vintage finds. I’m still kicking myself for not picking up a few items that caught my eye.

The energy here is very lively and social, which the locals embrace, it’s hard not to.

The town of Beaune is adorable as it is compact, allowing for leisurely exploration in a short amount of time. With its manageable size, one night or a maximum of two is plenty to experience its charm. It is an ideal stopover by car or train during a journey en route elsewhere. And for all of you wine enthusiasts, Beaune is a must-visit destination, renowned for its exceptional wines. It’s also home to Boeuf bourguignon.

My son and I had a fantastic trip to Burgundy (maybe less wine next time), one that we will remember for years. I look forward to visiting again soon, with you know who 😉