Hospices de Beaune, Hôtel-Dieu
The Hospices de Beaune, also known as Hôtel-Dieuare one of the most remarkable historical monuments in the whole of France. Burgundy. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Beaune, these hospices are not only a site of great historical significance but also a symbol of a commitment to charity and support for those in need.
Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of the Dukes of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins, the Hospices de Beaune were conceived as a "place of healing". a «home of comfort» for those in need, including the sick, the disabled, orphans, and the elderly, providing them with care free of charge. Today, transformed into a museum dedicated to the history of medicine, this historic site attracts visitors from all walks of life, eager to explore its exceptional Flamboyant Gothic architecture and immerse themselves in its fascinating history.
History of the Hospices de Beaune
The foundation in 1443
On August 4, 1443, Nicolas Rolin, chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy, and his wife, Guigone de Salins, founded the Hospices de Beaune. This initiative was intended to provide support during a time marked by poverty, famine in the wake of the Hundred Years’ War, and a plague epidemic. The goal was to offer shelter and medical care to the poor, the sick, and orphans in the region.
The Role of Hospices in Society from the Middle Ages to the Present
Since their founding, the Hospices de Beaune have been a pillar of the local community, providing medical care, shelter, and spiritual guidance to those in need. The institution was led by the Hospitaller Sisters of Beaune, a religious order founded by Nicolas Rolin and dedicated to the well-being of patients.
The Hospices operated as a hospital until the early 1970s, when the services and patients were moved to a modern facility outside the historic center.
Architectural and heritage evolution
The architecture of the Hospices de Beaune, a prime example of 15th-century Flamboyant Gothic style, was likely designed by the Flemish architect Jacques Wiscrère. The building is distinguished by its half-timbered galleries and colorful roofs, typical of Burgundy.
The stone courtyard and well-preserved wings of the building include spaces such as the historic kitchen, the apothecary, and a chapel adorned with polychrome vaults and beams. Now a museum, the site houses a rich collection of historical artifacts, including Rogier van der Weyden’s famous painting *The Last Judgment*, commissioned by Nicolas Rolin for the chapel.
Visiting the Hospices de Beaune: what you need to know
The Main Attractions of the Hôtel-Dieu
When you visit the Hospices de Beaune, you’ll be greeted by a series of remarkable attractions that make this a unique and captivating place. The inner courtyard, famous for its colorful glazed-tile roofs, is a true architectural gem.
The tour also takes you through the historic kitchen, where the sisters prepared meals for the patients, and the apothecary, where medicines were prepared. And don’t forget the chapel, which houses Rogier van der Weyden’s polyptych «The Last Judgment,» a must-see work of art.
Practical information for your visit
To plan your visit to the Hospices de Beaune, here is some essential practical information. Located in the heart of Beaune on Rue de l’Hôtel-Dieu, the Hospices are open year-round. However, opening hours vary by season, so it’s advisable to check them before your visit. An audio tour will enhance your experience, offering a detailed overview of the history and features of each room.
Guided and self-guided tour options
The Hospices de Beaune offer a variety of tour options to suit your preferences. Guided tours, led by expert guides, provide in-depth commentary on the site. Audio tours, available in several languages, give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. For visitors with children, tours specially designed for young people make the experience both entertaining and educational.
Hospice de Beaune Hôtel-Dieu - Prices and recommendations for your visit
Individual and group rates in detail
Admission to the Hospices de Beaune varies depending on the visitor’s age and status. Adults (18 and older) can enter the site for €12 and enjoy a self-guided tour with a brochure or an audio guide. A discounted rate of €9 is available to students under 26, large families, job seekers, and other eligible groups.
Youth ages 10 to 17 are eligible for a reduced rate of €5. Admission is free for children under 10, people with disabilities and their companions, as well as for staff of the Hospices Civils de Beaune.
Adults: €12 self-guided tour and audioguide
Young people aged 10-17: €5 self-guided tour and audioguide
Children under 10: free admission
Reduced rate: €9 (students, large families, jobseekers, disabled people)
Tips for an enriching visit
We recommend that you book your visit in advance, especially if you’d like to take a guided tour. These tours, which cost €12 per person, allow you to explore the site in greater depth thanks to detailed explanations of its history and unique features. It’s also recommended that you check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary depending on the season. Finally, consider using the public parking lots located around the historic center to make it easier to get to the site.
Special events and rummage sales
The Hospices de Beaune are renowned for their annual wine auction in November, a major charity event that attracts wine enthusiasts from around the world. This auction supports the Hospices’ charitable activities while offering the opportunity to discover exceptional Burgundy wines. The site also hosts temporary exhibitions and themed events throughout the year, enriching the visitor experience.
The Hospices de Beaune wine auction: A prestigious tradition
Visit Hospices de Beaune wine sale is much more than just an auction. It is a world-renowned annual event that combines tradition, charity, and the tasting of fine Burgundy wines.
To finance this work, the Hospices own a vast vineyard spread over some of Burgundy's finest appellations.
What does the sale involve?
Every third Sunday in November, The Hospices are organizing a very special auction. The wines on offer are from this year’s harvest and are sold by the barrel (228-liter barrels). These barrels are often named in honor of benefactors or prominent figures associated with the history of the Hospices.
Features of this sale:
- Charity: Part of the profits are donated to charity.
- Tradition: The auction takes place in a festive yet solemn atmosphere in the courtyard of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune.
- Prestige: The wines on offer are among the most sought-after in the world, providing a unique opportunity to acquire Burgundy grand cru wines.
Examples of Hospices de Beaune wines
The wines of the Hospices de Beaune cover a wide range of appellations, from village wines to grands crus:
- Beaune: It is the most widely represented appellation in the Hospices region. Beaune wines are generally red, fruity, and elegant.
- Pommard: These red wines are renowned for their tannic structure and ageing potential.
- Corton: A prestigious Grand Cru, Corton offers complex, powerful red wines.
- Meursault: An iconic appellation among Burgundy's white wines, the Hospices de Meursault wines are often characterized by great finesse.
- Puligny-Montrachet: These whites are renowned for their minerality and elegance.
A few emblematic pieces:
- Cuvée Meursault Charmes: A white wine of great finesse and complexity.
- Cuvée Corton: A powerful, structured red.
- Cuvée Beaune: A fruity, elegant red.
Why should you be interested in the wines of the Hospices de Beaune?
- Outstanding quality: The Hospices benefit from time-honored expertise and an exceptional terroir.
- Investment: Hospice wines tend to increase in value over time.
- Charity: By buying a Hospices wine, you're contributing to a noble cause.
- A unique experience: Attending a sale is an unforgettable experience for any wine lover.
Hospices de Beaune Hôtel-Dieu - Conclusion
The Hospices de Beaune are an invaluable historical and cultural treasure of Burgundy. Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins, they originally served as a hospital to care for the most destitute. Over time, they have evolved into an iconic museum and a bastion of charity. Exploring the Hospices offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, admire masterpieces such as Rogier van der Weyden’s polyptych, and gain an appreciation for the essential role of philanthropy in regional development.
Don't miss the annual wine auction, a major charity event that supports the Hospices' initiatives. Visiting this heritage treasure also means helping to preserve its rich legacy for future generations.
Hospices de Beaune Hôtel-Dieu - FAQ
Why visit the Hospices de Beaune?
A visit to the Hospices de Beaune offers a unique opportunity to discover a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. This iconic site is distinguished by its glazed tile roofs, typical of Burgundy, and a “Salle des Pôvres” (Hall of the Poor) that is sure to impress. Visitors can also explore the history of medicine and charity through its museum, not to mention the exceptional stained-glass windows that adorn the building.
Which film was shot at the Hospices de Beaune?
The Hospices de Beaune has been the setting for several film productions, including La Grande Vadrouille by Gérard Oury in 1966. More recently, in 2023, the site hosted the filming of The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan and The Three Musketeers: Milady by Martin Bourboulon.
What is the history of the Hospices de Beaune?
Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and his wife Guigone de Salins in response to the crises of their time, the Hospices de Beaune were originally designed to care for the most destitute. Today, they symbolize an important aspect of 15th-century Burgundian architecture. Designed by Flemish architects, the complex served as a hospital until 1971. Today, it houses a museum and a renowned winery, whose wines are auctioned off each year to benefit charitable causes.
What was the purpose of the hospices?
Historically, hospices served several key roles, providing shelter to members of religious orders, pilgrims, and travelers. Today, they continue to play an important social role by providing care and housing for the elderly, the infirm, and the terminally ill, with an emphasis on the comfort and quality of life of patients at the end of life.
Find out more about the Hospices de Beaune, visit the official website here.
