Beaune|France

Wine capital of Burgundy: Sept. 16-17



Stop 2 of 7

Tour Day 3

After a group tour of the Louvre, we were on our way to Beaune. We made a quick WC stop (restroom break) to allow Philippe, our wonderful driver a rest. Dave made sure we played Rick's name game! 
Dawn from our skylight window.
Philippe had an assortment of drinks for sale. Some days we would get a water bottle for the road, other mornings we would get an extra coffee to split. Most importantly, he had some cool Belgian beers for Tom to sip on.
Playing the name game with our travel friends at the WC stop :)
We were instantly welcomed and felt like we were at a long lost French relatives home :) 
Beaune city orientation in a nutshell: don't leave the ring road and you will always find your way back :) 

Hotel des Remparts

After a relaxing ride out to the french countryside, we arrived in the charming town of Beaune. We met the lovely staff at Hotel des Remparts and settled into our cozy rooms. We strolled along the cobblestone streets with our new travel friends, enjoyed the antique stores, saw the old hospital, and arrived for some wine tasting and dinner.          

Wine Tasting and Dinner

Watch your head when you enter! This enchanted restaurant was surrounded by ancient walls that once enclosed the city. Time to drink wine! We purchased some wine for our awesome parents, enjoyed a  delightful dinner, and took an evening stroll back to our hotel.
Our friends eager to get to wine and dinner
Our driver Philippe was eager to eat as well! 
A handwritten receipt made this a top contender for most fun purchase.
3 course meal turns into 5 course sample platter when you have a travel partner. Yum, yum, yum!

Tour Day 4

An early morning stroll around Beaune was the best way to say good-bye.  Smalls enjoyed the many kitchen stores and purchased her very own cheese knife. A visit to an old cathedral, a pharmacy for some french soap, and a patisserie for a macaron and raspberry cookie were a must. Along the way, we enjoyed watching the locals go about their day. Beaune, we will be back!
The fluffiest croissant ever

Shooting for the Alps

We bid our farewells to France and headed to Switzerland! 
Breakfast for the next couple years.
I don't know why Tom said no.