Hospices de Beaune

The Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu) is a historic hospital and major tourist attraction located in the town center of Beaune, Burgundy. Founded in 1443 by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin and his wife Guigone de Salins, the institution was modeled on Flemish hospitals with the primary mission of providing care for the poor and disadvantaged. The site served this medical and charitable purpose until 1971, when it was converted into a museum after hospital services moved to a modern facility.

The building is renowned for its magnificent Gothic-style facade, distinctive glazed roof tiles, gargoyles, and interior treasures such as stained glass windows in the Saint-Louis room and the chapel floor. During World War II, the nuns at the Hospices played a role in the Resistance, hiding prisoners and using 13th-century underground galleries for refuge. The site also houses significant historical artworks, including Rogier van der Weyden’s "The Last Judgement," as well as exhibits on medical history and wine.

Admission fees are €7.50 for adults, €3 for children aged 10–18, and free for children under 10. Opening hours vary by season: from January to March and mid-November to December, the site is open from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. From the end of March to mid-November, it is open from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. Visitors are advised to allocate ample time for the included audio tour, which covers the courtyard, kitchen, apothecary, and art collections. The Hospices own the Domaine de l'Hôtel-Dieu, which holds prestigious vineyards in appellations such as Pernand-Vergelesses and Corton-Charlemagne. The site is easily reachable by frequent trains from Dijon-Ville station.