Beaune, town in eastern France, in Côte-d'Or Department, on the Bouzaise River, in Burgundy. Beaune is a center of tourism and wine marketing. Wine auctions are held each November. An important town in Roman times, Beaune's fortunes declined with the fall of Rome in the 5th century, reviving again in the 18th century with the growth of the wine market. A wall reinforced by 13th- and 15th-century towers encircles Beaune and many other historic structures also survive. The Hôtel-Dieu (1443) is still in use as a retirement home and a museum. The 12th-century Church of Notre-Dame contains 15th-century tapestries depicting the life of the Virgin Mary. Population (1999) 21,923.
