Short Day in Beaune

Our hotel in Beaune was directly across the street from the train station which was a great location. We had a metal screen that dropped down outside our window which blocked a lot of the light and noise, although there was little traffic, pedestrian or vehicle. We slept in until about 9 and then walked about 6 blocks to the old town centre.

We had a lovely quiche and coffee in a little bakery and then walked around a bit and visited the Hotel Dieu.

This was a restored poor persons hospital and for a measly 7.50 euro we were given an excellent audio guide that explained how this was established in 1443, and was presented by the "husband and wife" who set up the hospital. It continued operating until the 1970's. Very well done.

We spent about two hours in it and then went back to our walkabout. Unfortunately, Alice spied an antique show and I was on my own for another hour or so. Fortunately, for me there were a number of bakeries and I had a vanilla flan and latte. Should have waited for a Mexican restaurant for the flan.

This is a small town, about 28,000, but very nice and clean, and in the middle of Burgundy country. It was about 1500 so we decided to have a nice meal and then Belinda and Alice planned to visit one of the "caves" to taste wine. For 12 euro you get to taste 4 reds and 2 whites. B said they were all excellent. She's comparing them to Red Box.

When they went to taste wine, I walked back to the hotel room and read for a little while, napped, and read a little more. They returned about two hours later and we never left the room. It was too far to walk in for dinner and the hotel restaurant had closed early so Belinda and I shared a Snickers. (We didn't tell Alice) We were still trying to recoup from the previous 16 hour travel day so we all fell asleep early. Monday should be just 6 hours from Beaune to Carcassonne where we will spend just one night.

This is a short post. A quiet day but for me one of the highlights. The hospital museum was excellent.