We started out the day with a trip to Beaune, hoping to get a taste of what Arnaud claims is the “best croissant in the world”. But when we got there the bakery was nowhere to be found. 😦 We didn’t have to fret though! A lot was still in store for us.
We entered this store that sold everything wine: glasses, books, maps, souvenirs, wine (of course), etc. In Burgundy, wine is a huge part of life and no matter where you go, you’ll always be reminded of that fact.
Then we proceeded to the Hospices de Beaune, a hospital for the poor founded in 1443. It’s one of the most popular buildings in Burgundy not just for the purpose it was meant for, but these days more for the colored glazed tiles that cover its roof which are characteristic of the region. Eyecatching patterns are formed by strategic arrangement of the tiles.
The Room of the Poor has two rows of beds, on on each side. A chapel is at the end of the hall to enable the sick to attend masses and the nuns (who served as nurses) to perform services.
It wasn’t just some old, boring, dreary place to house the sick; there are ornate details, beautiful panel paintings, and lovely ironwork that make this entirely different from a traditional hospital.
The Beaune Altarpiece; click to enlarge 
Center panel
After our tour it was time to discover the culinary delights in Beaune. We started of with a kebab sandwich. 😀 We also took a little salad takeaway with it and sat on a bench at a little park for lunch. There’s a nice nougat shop with every flavor you can think of. And of course, patisserie should not be missed.
Lemon macaron 
Giant raspberry macaron
Then we walked through and explored the little streets without any other goal in mind but to discover little gems that were tucked away.
One of these gems are the Lavoir Saint-Jacques, an old wash house built in 1887. Some water flow is diverted to the wash house which, they use for washing clothes, and then the used water rejoins the river on the other end.
Then we headed to our next destination: La Rochepot.
From its construction in the 15th century the castle has had numerous owners and after a 25-year restoration based on archives and excavations, it stands as the beauty that it is today.
What a massive kitchen! 
Copper pots and pans
Giant fireplace could swallow me whole
We took a different route going home and passed the town of Meursault where we had a short pitstop. We saw vehicles filled with people coming from the fields, a sign that harvest of the grape vines was already underway. We stopped by some vineyards when we saw these lovely roses.
Arnaud told me that these roses are not there just for decorative purposes. Some people say that before some disease creeps up to the vines they get to the roses first, so they serve as a kind of early warning device.
We continued strolling through Meursault. It was a lovely summer’s day after all!
A shop owner kindly allowed us into the cave à vin, the other end of which led into a small garden with his personal collection of animals. We also went to another shop where Arnaud tried a little bit of wine,
And because vines are everywhere in Burgundy, we couldn’t resist taking some photos with these lovely green fields in the background.
It was a perfect leisurely day trip in Burgundy, one I would highly recommend. What’s not to love about wine, food, and sights?
Travel with Tess and Liza 