Vineyard in the fall. Photo © Alain DOIRE-Bourgogne Tourisme.
Beaune, south of Dijon in Burgundy, is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France, and the capital of the world famous Cote d' Or (golden slopes) wine region. Famous for Montrachet, Pommard, Nuits-St-George, Romanee-Conti, grapes have been grown here for over 2,000 years, since Roman times. Beaune, with a population of about 25,000, is also a town with a wealth of art and architecture, and medieval appearance aside, is a very modern town. The wealth here may be hidden, as is common in France; many houses appear modest but there is often a luxury vehicle parked in the garage. The Place Carnot is at the center of town, and shops, Cafes and restaurants surround the square. Sophisticated restaurants, wine bars and shops fill the center of town, attracting wine lovers and wine buyers from all over the world. Due to the proximity to Paris, Switzerland and the Rhone Valley, Burgundy is a popular and attractive week-end or vacation destination.Burgundy was a major target for the Germans during World War II. Although the Fuhrer did not appreciate fine wine, Goebbels, on Hitler's cabinet council, loved fine Burgundy. Winemakers were creative and daring in attempting to foil their enemy; they often mis-labeled bottles and presented the worst wines, built false walls in caves and aged the walls with spiderwebs and misdirected shipments. Burgundians generally worked with the Resistance, and helped Jewish refugees.
