Things to do in Couches

Visit Hôtel Dieu to see one of the most iconic images of Beaune, the building’s beautiful tiled roof. While it looks palatial, Hôtel Dieu was built as a humble hospital for the poor. The hospital opened as the Hospices de Beaune in the 15th century and welcomed patients until the late 20th century, when it became a museum. The building features soaring ceilings, ample skylights and a beautiful courtyard, which is a great place to admire the intricate pattern of the roof.

With over 600 artifacts, the Burgundy Wine Museum illustrates how winemaking shaped Burgundy’s history. Wander through the centuries-old building to see historical tools for wine production, wine-related art, a collection of bottles illustrating the evolution of the iconic Burgundy bottle shape and beautiful Aubusson tapestries.

Once a favorite vacation destination for Napoleon, the Château de Pommard is one of the grande dames of Burgundy’s many wine producers. It is a union of two châteaus, the oldest of which was founded in 1726. The vineyard is worth visiting as much for its architecture, mixing neoclassicism and Regency, as for its famous AOC pinot noirs. Sample wines in the tasting room or set off on an adventure learning about the process and regulations that make Burgundies one of the world’s most famous wines.

If you’re used to the rococo designs of other French cathedrals, the Chalon Cathedral may seem a bit understated. The church was denuded of its treasures during the religious wars of the 16th century and again two centuries later during the French Revolution. It nevertheless offers an exciting destination for an architecturally interesting tour in the heart of Chalon-sur-Saône. Rest on one of its pews as you admire its extensive religious art collection, including a 15th-century Pietà, or explore its many side chapels.

The Marché aux Vins Winery is an atmospheric setting for sampling wine as you learn about Burgundy’s long winemaking heritage. After your tasting, visit the shop to buy a bottle of your favorite vintage to bring home. Choose from over 22,000 bottles, including rare bottles and old vintages that date back as far as 1958.