Getting There -- If you're driving, note that Beaune is a few miles from the junction of four highways -- A6, A31, A36, and N6. Beaune has good railway connections with Dijon, Lyon, and Paris. From Paris's Gare de Lyon, there are 11 TGV trains per day (trip time: 2 hr.; one-way fare 45€-55€/$59-$72); from Lyon, 11 trains per day (trip time: 1 1/2 hr.; 21€/$25 one-way); and from Dijon, 33 trains per day (trip time: 25 min.; 6.50€/$8.45). For train information and schedules, call tel. 08-92-35-35-35.

Visitor Information -- The Office de Tourisme is at 6 bd. Perpreuil (tel. 03-80-26-21-30; fax 03-80-26-21-39).

Special Events -- The town comes to life during the third weekend in November, when wine buyers and oenophiles from the world over descend on the old town for a 3-day festival and wine auction called Les Trois Glorieuses. The town is packed with wineries offering dégustations priced from 20€ to 35€ ($26-$46) for "several" glasses each of a different wine vintage -- and with tourists visiting the labyrinth of caves and wine cellars. With all the free spirits (both kinds), visitors crowding the streets can be more than a bit tipsy.