On the way to the South of France, Beaune is a stop that many Dutch people make. Us too! After a day's drive, you suddenly find yourself in the heart of Burgundy. This makes Beaune the ideal stopover on the Route du Soleil if you're travelling to the South of France or Spain. Do you only have one night? Then we have the perfect mini-itinerary for you: a great hotel tip, a restaurant where you can eat well, and a short walk through the cosy centre. You don't actually need any more than that!
Stopover in Beaune? How to make the most of one night en route
Burgundy, and Beaune in particular, is practically a holiday destination in itself. Think of charming squares, good restaurants, wine cellars, and ancient streets where you could easily spend a few days. But for many Dutch people, Beaune is primarily the perfect stopover on the way to the South of France or Spain. After a day's drive, you arrive tired. You want to eat well, sleep soundly, and perhaps stretch your legs, without having to spend an hour figuring out where to go. Especially in peak season, Beaune can be quite busy. That's why we're sharing our ideal mini-route for one night: a great hotel tip, a restaurant you'll want to dive right into, and a short walk past the most beautiful spots in the city.
A super tip for a hotel: Novotel Beaune
After a long day's drive, you really only want three things: a comfortable bed, a pleasant swimming pool, and safe parking for your car. At Novotel Beaune This pleasant four-star hotel, located approximately two kilometres from the centre of Beaune, is ideally situated. It's close enough to wander into town for dinner, yet far enough away to ensure a peaceful night's sleep.
The swimming pool deserves a little extra shout-out, Especially in peak season, this is a big plus, particularly if you're travelling with children. A swimming pool during your journey sounds wonderful. Cheers from the back seat when you tell them the hotel has a pool. But it can also be a considerable disappointment. In the photos, it looks inviting, but once you arrive, it turns out to be a deserted, uninviting pool. Well, not here. The Novotel pool is actually super inviting: with a terrace, sun loungers, beanbags, and lounge beds. In the summer, it also stays open all evening, so you can even go for a dip after dinner.
The rooms are nice too. Good beds with mattresses that you sleep really well on, family rooms and connected rooms. It has it all. The breakfast buffet has a lot of choice, including for vegetarians and vegans. Like. And with ample parking, including charging points for electric cars, you can ditch the pre-drive stress after a tough day on the road.
Staying overnight in Beaune? The Novotel Beaune is an excellent stop with a lovely pool, comfortable rooms, and parking right outside!
Also interesting: Nice stops on the way to the South of France!
Restaurant Tip Beaune: Bouillon Galion
With a nice cold drink by the pool, you’ll naturally find some space to think about dinner. Goodness, as a traveller passing through, you won't have made reservations, of course. So, you get out your Google. Only, in Beaune, you quickly end up at the many Michelin (starred) restaurants the city is known for. Very nice if you’re here for a few days, but after a long car journey, you’re primarily looking for a place where you can eat well, don’t have to book weeks in advance, and can just walk in.
Our tip? Bouillon Galion. A broth is a typical French restaurant concept where you can eat classic French dishes at a friendly price. At small bistro tables, with a lively atmosphere and typically French classics on the menu. Exactly what you feel like after a long journey.
Galion Bouillon We already knew it from a previous trip to Dijon, where they also have a restaurant. It was already a hit then, so when we saw there was also a branch in Beaune, we didn’t have to think twice. The prices are also friendly: starters cost around four euros, main courses around twelve to fourteen euros, and for about five euros you can finish with a dessert that you can easily share. There’s plenty of choice for both meat lovers and vegetarians. I enjoyed the oeufs mayonnaise, the chicory salad, and the ravioli with seasonal vegetables, this time it was leeks. And whatever you order, be sure to save some room for dessert!
You cannot make reservations here. That might sound inconvenient, but we find it ideal for travellers passing through. Our advice: arrive before 7:15 PM. Then there's a good chance you won't have to queue and can immediately secure a table on our lovely terrace.
Affordable dining out in Beaune? Then Bouillon Galion is the top tip.
Tips for a stopover in Beaune
After dinner, it's a shame to go straight back to the hotel. Beaune is compact, so you can see everything in an hour. highlights Already seen, though. Wander through the charming streets of the old town, walk along the city walls and take a look at the impressive Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, the iconic hospital with the colourful roof that Beaune is famous for. If you have a bit more room in the boot, pop into a wine shop and take a bottle of Burgundy home with you. Not to open immediately, of course, as a long drive awaits the very next morning. But at home, such a bottle tastes extra good as a reminder of an unexpectedly enjoyable stopover. Have a good trip!
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
