Beaune is a beautiful and quintessentially French town in the heart of the Burgundy region – world-famous for its wine production. For any connoisseur, this is one travel destination that should go straight to the top of your bucket list, but even if wine’s not your thing, there’s still plenty of reasons to spend a few days in Beaune. This place has quaint, historic architecture, great restaurants, beautiful, rolling vineyards, and some very nice shopping, whether it’s boutiques or food markets that interest you. And if you want to holiday here in style, then look no further than Hotel Le Cep. Housed in several old, private mansions, this stunning luxury hotel is decorated and furnished in traditional style as befits its enviable location in the heart of medieval Beaune. The closest international airport is Geneva, and you can fly there from Gatwick with EasyJet. Alternatively, you can take the train from London via Paris and Dijon, which takes about six hours, or drive, which takes about 8.5 hours from London.
Hotel
Hotel Le Cep has a long and rich history, with parts dating back to the sixteenth century, and was once slept in by King Louis XIV. The stunning décor reflects this, with antique furniture, opulent fabrics, and chandeliers everywhere you look. With a Michelin starred restaurant, a cozy bar where you can sample some outstanding regional wine, and a fabulous spa, it’s little wonder that Hotel Le Cep has long been a member of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” group and has received numerous accolades in travel publications including featuring on the Gold List of the world’s best places to stay by the Conde Nast Traveller.
Rooms
The hotel has 65 rooms, 29 of which are suites. Each room has its own unique character, and each one is named after a Burgundy wine, which is a nice touch. All rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibar, flat-screen TV, and Sealy beds, while all bathrooms are well stocked with toiletries, bathrobes, and a hairdryer. The rooms’ décor is full of character, combining modern comforts with old French charm. The suites, in particular, are truly stunning and feel a million miles away from the average hotel room. Suites also benefit from a coffee machine, fruit basket, and innovative Night Cove – a product designed to enhance sleep quality. Room Tips – The suites really are something quite special and are well worth the extra money. Alternatively, book early and try for an upgrade! Rooms that face the street can be a little noisy, so bear this in mind if you’re after peace and quiet.
Restaurant and Bar
Breakfast is served between 7:00 – 11:30 am each morning, either indoors or in the charming 16th-century courtyard if the weather is warm. For dinner, don’t miss Michelin starred Loiseau des Vignes, located within the hotel. With a warm atmosphere and pared-back, contemporary décor, this is the perfect place to enjoy an evening meal. The cuisine is based on traditional dishes from the Burgundy region, and there are no fewer than 70 different wines available to order by the glass. The hotel also has a cozy and atmospheric bar where you can relax with a drink at any time of day. During the winter months, make sure you grab a seat by the fire!
Activities
The Spa Marie de Bourgogne was opened in 2015 and is a stunning space offering a wide range of treatments, including cryotherapy, aqua biking, massage, facials, and a hammam. There is also a fitness center, located at the top of a panoramic tower, which affords you a great view to accompany your workout. From here, you can see the beautiful roof of the famous Hospices de Beaune, a fifteenth-century almshouse which is now a museum and well worth a visit, as it one of the finest surviving examples of French architecture from that period. Of course, it would be a shame to be in Beaune and not visit a vineyard or enjoy a wine-tasting, while there is also an excellent food market, restaurants, and shopping to enjoy in the town. Outside Beaune, Dijon is about a 40-minute drive and Lyon about an hour and a half – both places worth visiting.
Insider Info
If you visit Hotel Le Cep during the summer, you can take in the International Baroque Opera Festival, which is one of the most prestigious in Europe. A must for music lovers!
Whether you’re a wine lover or not, Hotel Le Cep in Beaune is the perfect place to immerse yourself in all things French!
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