How about a little stroll through the tiny town of Beaune (Bon)...It has been awhile since I have visited France...my photo's sit and wait for me and I'm amazed that I let so much time go by since our trip in April. I have decided, for the most part, to use my Friday Find space to share France with you..I found so much there...wine, food, people, a new language to learn, earthy, musky, romantic smells, lotions, and shoes. Lots of lovely shoes...Love is there, it's in the air. So much to take in and soak up... I really want to dedicate a book to France but I have not given myself the time to edit and gather and then send it off to be printed...so I begin, today, in the town of Beaune...in the wine capital of Burgundy, in the Cote de Or department in Eastern France. It is located between Paris and Geneva. Beaune is one of the key wine centers in France...I think it is the perfect place to start...as a matter of fact...my husband bought a bottle of wine here for 50.00. He has yet to pop the cork...I think he is carrying it in the photo above...I'll fill you in on that later...let's begin....
Beaune is a walled city, with about half of the battlements, ramparts, and the moat, having survived and in good condition, and the central "old town" is extensive. Landmarks in Beaune include the Halles, the Hospices, the Beffroi, and Notre Dame. Above is a photo of the Hotel Dieu, a charity hospital in Beaune..The Hôtel-Dieu was founded on 4 August 1443, when Burgundy was ruled by Duke Philip the Good. The Hospices de Beaune received the first patient on 1 January 1452. Elderly, disabled and sick people, with orphans, women about to give birth and the destitute have all been uninterruptedly welcomed for treatment and refuge, from the Middle Ages until today.
All the beds, all in a row..I was happy to see that they got to share in the sunshine...
So many sweet shops...and the open markets everyday, all over France, are something to experience...I'll show you more of this when we move on to Provence...I had to get two of these because of the nuts...so many nuts and such big chunks. I would go back just for this..
There is a comprehensive "traditional" shopping area clustered around the central square with a focus on gourmet food, fashion, and wine, while large supermarkets, business parks, etc., are situated on the outskirts of town. This is one of the two streets for shopping...
Of course, outdoor cafe's in all the little villages..In April I was so happy it was warm enough to sit out...I love their lifestyle there...they "get" what life is all about...slow down, take time each day...to be with friends, even if only for a cappuccino outside for an hour...it's seems they knew about Be Still well before we ever did. It's part of their charm.
Although Beaune is not primarily a tourist town but one centred on the wine industry, it nevertheless attracts a large amount of tourism. About five traditional smaller hotels are located within the city walls with around five chain hotels on the outskirts. For me, it was all about the wine...Burgundy...wine country...they love their wine...but for me, I like what I'm used to...here at home. Then again, we haven't opened that $50.00 bottle yet..so I'm holding out judgement. Even if it is the best wine ever, I seriously doubt I would ever pay that much for another bottle of wine...but I would definitely go back to France...See you in Provence.
“One should always be drunk. That's all that matters...But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk.”― Charles Baudelaire