Parc de la Bouzaize, Beaune
Park in Beaune
Parc de la Bouzaize is one of the best places to visit in Beaune if you're looking for a calm, refreshing retreat just outside the historic centre. Set around a spring-fed lake that forms the source of the Bouzaize river, this leafy park offers a soothing contrast to the bustling wine cellars and markets of the town. Locals come here to walk, picnic, row small boats, or simply enjoy the cool shade of tall trees on warm days. It is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Beaune, especially as a gentle final stop after exploring the old town.
The park’s peaceful layout, landscaped gardens, and serene water make it ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Ducks paddle across the lake, children play in grassy clearings, and benches tucked under centuries-old trees offer quiet places to pause. Visitors often appreciate that the park feels both close to the centre and wonderfully secluded, making it one of Beaune’s most relaxing green spaces.
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History and Significance of Parc de la Bouzaize
Parc de la Bouzaize takes its name from the Bouzaize river, which rises from the natural spring contained within the park's small lake. For centuries, this water source played a vital role in Beaune's development-feeding mills, gardens, and defensive moats.
The park as seen today was developed in the nineteenth century, during a period when French towns embraced landscaped public gardens inspired by English-style park design. Meandering paths, ornamental plantings, and carefully crafted viewpoints were introduced to encourage strolling and leisure. Over time, the park became a cherished space for residents, offering shade, fresh air, and quiet beauty within walking distance of the town centre.
Its continued popularity reflects Beaune’s commitment to preserving peaceful public spaces alongside its wine heritage, giving visitors a deeper sense of the town’s rhythms and everyday life.
Things to See and Do in Parc de la Bouzaize
The heart of the park is the picturesque lake fed by the Bouzaize spring. Visitors can rent small rowing boats in the warmer months, drifting gently along the water while enjoying views of surrounding trees and lawns.
Walking paths circle the lake and extend into wooded areas, offering a pleasant loop suitable for all ages. Birdlife is abundant, and the variety of plants and flowers throughout the park makes it especially attractive in spring and early summer.
Children will enjoy the open grassy spaces and occasional play areas, while adults often linger on the shaded benches or beside flowerbeds. Photographers appreciate the reflections on the lake, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.
How to Get There
Beaune is served by Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, providing a wide range of international and regional connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Beaune on Booking.com.
The park is about a 20-25 minute walk from Beaune's railway station on the Dijon-Chalon-sur-Saône line, which runs frequent regional trains. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.
Visitors driving into Beaune will find parking areas around the old town, making it easy to reach the park on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Practical Tips on Visiting Parc de la Bouzaize
- Best time to visit Parc de la Bouzaize: Spring and summer for flowers and boat rentals; autumn for beautiful foliage.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
- Opening hours: Open daily; boat rentals operate seasonally.
- Official website: https://www.beaune.fr
- How long to spend: 30-60 minutes for a stroll, longer if picnicking.
- Accessibility: Flat paths make the park accessible for most visitors.
- Facilities: Benches, lawns, water features, and seasonal boat rental.
- Photography tip: Shoot across the lake in the late afternoon for soft light and perfect reflections.
- Guided-tours: Usually not needed, though some walking tours pass nearby.
- Nearby food options: Picnic supplies can be brought from Beaune’s markets; nearby cafés are a short walk away.
Where to Stay close to Parc de la Bouzaize
Several charming accommodation options lie within walking distance of the park. Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa Beaune offers elegant surroundings near Beaune’s main cultural sites. A central and comfortable choice is Hotel Athanor, ideal for exploring the old town. Another welcoming option is Hôtel Belle Epoque, located in a beautifully restored building close to key attractions.
Is Parc de la Bouzaize Worth Visiting?
Yes - Parc de la Bouzaize is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want a break from wine tasting or sightseeing. Its quiet lake, shady trees, and family-friendly atmosphere make it one of Beaune's most inviting outdoor spaces, perfect for relaxation and a gentle escape into nature.
What Other Travellers Say...
Park Bouzaise on Av. du Parc in Beaune is a pretty, peaceful park about a 10-minute walk from the town centre with a lake, flower beds, benches and clean toilets; visitors mention a playground, carousel, pedal boats, ducks, geese and fish, a small animal area with bunnies, chickens, alpaca, sheep and a goat, and a caged pigeon area, plus interpretive signs identifying many tree species. Several reviewers say it's an excellent spot for strolling, picnics or relaxing and a gateway to vineyard walks, with panoramic routes starting from the park.
FAQs for Visiting
Nearby Attractions to Parc de la Bouzaize
- Hospice de Beaune: The town's most iconic landmark with colourful tiled roofs.
- Collégiale Notre-Dame: A Romanesque basilica with exceptional tapestries.
- Musée du Vin de Bourgogne: Explore Burgundy's wine traditions and heritage.
- Les Halles de Beaune: Covered market hall hosting Saturday markets and the wine auction.
- Les Remparts de Beaune: Scenic historic ramparts ideal for a walk.
The Parc de la Bouzaize appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Beaune!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Nearby Attractions
- Les Remparts de Beaune (0.6) km
City Walls - Maison Du Colombier (0.7) km
Historic Building - Collégiale Notre-Dame (0.7) km
Church - La Moutarderie Fallot (0.7) km
Museum - Tour de l'horloge (0.8) km
Tower - Musée du Vin de Bourgogne (0.8) km
Museum - Hospices de Beaune (0.9) km
Historic Building - Marché de Beaune (0.9) km
Market - Porte Saint Nicolas, Beaune (0.9) km
City Gate - Athenaeum de la Vigne et du Vin (0.9) km
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