3 Best Sights in Beaune, Burgundy

Philippe le Hardi, the son of the king of France, was the illustrious owner of this majestic 9th- to 16th-century castle. The surrounding estate—one of the largest in Burgundy—has 237 acres of vines. There are three classic wine tastings (from €10) and, by appointment only, two high-end wine tastings that include a tour of the cellar that ends with either two white wines and three reds (€25) or three whites and three reds, including at least two Premier Cru and one Grand Cru (€55).

The liquid highlight of many Burgundian vacations is a visit to the Marché aux Vins, where you can sample a tongue-tingling, mind-spinning array of regional wines in an atmospheric setting made up of barrel-strewn cellars and vaulted passages. Your options for tastings are the Découverte tasting with five wines that includes one Premier Cru (€29), the Prestige tasting with seven wines (€59), or the Exclusive tasting of seven wines including two Premiers Crus and two Grands Crus (€89); there's no need to reserve in advance for any of them. There is another Beaune tasting house at Caves Patriarche on Rue du Collège.

A miraculous Meursault has been produced at this elegant spot since the 7th century. Walk up the Allée des Maronniers through the vines to the château's cour d'honneur. Visits to cellars dating from the 14th and 16th centuries and an art gallery are part of the guided tour, which includes a sommelier-aided tasting of seven wines (€59). More elaborate theme-based guided tours are available by appointment.