Where is Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune located?

The monument is located in central-eastern France, in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, in the town of Beaune, on the Burgundy Grands Crus Route .

What is the difference between the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune and the Hospices Civils de Beaune?

The Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins, is the former hospital of the Middle Ages that is now a historic monument and museum famous for its colourful roofs and its history. By misnomer, it is often referred to as the Hospices de Beaune. But in reality, the Hospices Civils de Beaune refers to the current hospital institution, heir to the Hôtel-Dieu, which groups together the modern care facilities and also manages the wine estate, whose wines are sold each year at the prestigious auction.

How were patients treated at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune?

At the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, the sick were mainly poor people who were admitted free of charge. They were housed in the Salle des Pôvres and cared for by the hospital sisters. Treatment was based on medicinal plants, bloodletting and appropriate food, such as broths or wine cut with water. In addition to the remedies, a great deal of importance was attached to prayer and spiritual comfort, as it was believed that healing the soul also helped to heal the body!

How does a visit to the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune work?

You can visit the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune on your own or with an audio guide. The tour begins in the Grande Salle des Pôvres, where patients were treated in the Middle Ages, followed by the chapel, the pharmacy with its earthenware pots, the kitchen with its large fireplaces, and several richly decorated rooms. You can also admire the famous Last Judgement polyptych by Rogier van der Weyden. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of the hospital, the life of the patients and the role of the nuns. We advise you to book your tickets in advance!

Can I enjoy a wine tasting at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune?

You can’t taste wine all year round at the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune, but only on certain occasions. The best-known of these is the Hospices de Beaune wine auction in November, when the public can taste a number of vintages from the Hospices de Beaune vineyards in the old cuverie. Apart from this event, there are no tastings directly on the Hôtel-Dieu site, but you can discover Hospices wines at partner wine merchants or estates in the region.

Which rooms can I visit at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune?

During your visit to the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune, be sure to discover : The Cour d’Honneur and its glazed tiles The Salle des Pôvres The Salle Saint-Hugues The kitchen The Apothecary’s

Where are the vineyards of the Domaine de l'Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune located?

The vineyards of the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune stretch around the town of Beaune, in various villages famous for the quality of their wine: The village of Pommard The village of Meursault The village of Volnay The village of Savigny The village of Aloxe-Corton The Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune also owns vineyards in the Côte de Nuits, Chablis and Mâconnais regions.

Why are the roofs of the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune so famous?

The roofs of the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune are famous for their beauty and originality. Built in the 15th century in the Burgundian Gothic style, they are covered with multi-coloured glazed tiles forming geometric patterns (lozenges, zigzags) in shades of red, green, yellow and black. This style, typical of Burgundy, was both decorative and practical: the glaze on the tiles protects the structure from the elements. Today, these roofs have become the emblem of Beaune, easily recognisable and photographed the world over.

Are there different ways to visit the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune?

The Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune offers you the chance to book a tour to suit your tastes, whether it’s a quick 15-minute visit or a chance to explore the history of the monument in minute detail! Please note: some tours have been created especially for the European Heritage Days. Don’t forget to take a look at the tour schedule on the website!

Who was Nicolas Rolin?

Nicolas Rolin was chancellor (prime minister, as it were) to the Dukes of Burgundy for over 40 years! An emblematic figure of the Burgundian state in the 14th century, he served John the Fearless, then his son Philip the Good. Twice widowed, he married Guigone de Salins, with whom he founded the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune.

Who was Guigone de Salins?

A medieval noblewoman, Guigone de Salins was a member of the Salins-la-Tour family of lords in the Jura. It was she who encouraged her husband Nicolas Rolin to work for charity and create the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune.

What is the price of a wine auctioned at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune?

The price of a wine from the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune depends on the vintage and the impact of the auction. But prices are generally very high! If you dream of buying wine at this famous auction, you should know that it is not possible to buy a single bottle: the sale is made piece by piece, i.e. a 228-litre barrel to be precise! To give you an idea, the average price per barrel was €39,155 in 2022.

Can I drink the wine I've just bought at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune auction?

Have you just bought a piece at the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune auction? You should know that it is still far from being ready for tasting! The wine is still very young, and needs to be matured in oak barrels. A professional will take care of it for a period of 12 to 18 months to allow the wine’s complex aromas to come to the fore.

The Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune: what you need to know before your visit! | The Burgundy Grand Cru Route in Côte-d'Or

From charity to auction: the fabulous history of the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune

But who had the crazy idea one day to invent… the Hospices de Beaune? Here’s the answer:Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor to the Dukes of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins in 1443.

At a time when the town of Beaune and the surrounding area were suffering the disastrous effects of the Hundred Years’ War and the plague, the couple, with their hands on their hearts, wanted to provide care for the poor and disadvantaged. This charitable work continues to this day, with the Hospices Civils de Beaune!

An unrivalled negotiator and manager, Nicolas Rolin placed the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune under the direct authority of the Holy See to free it from royalties, and endowed the site with vineyards and woods to help it prosper. That’s what we call killing two birds with one stone!

But he didn’t stop there: he also paid tribute to art in every detail of the building. And what better way to do this than to surround himself with the best in the business? Rogier Van der Weyden, one of the greatest Flemish masters, created the polyptych of the Last Judgement… Shhh! We’ll keep the suspense alive for a while, and tell you all about it later…

Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune - Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne — ©The Storytellers - Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune

On the menu for a visit to the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune: the must-haves

The Court of Honour

With its traditional Burgundy architecture and colourful glazed tiles, the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune is a visual slap in the face right from the Cour d’Honneur! Polychrome tile roofs are an indissociable emblem of Burgundy (although this inspiration comes straight from Flanders!). This style of tiled roof is also a symbol of prestige, showing the wealth of the building’s owner.

50 metres long

40 metres wide

16 metres high

La Salle des Pôvres

Paradoxically, the Salle des Pôvres is a veritable palace! It was in this exceptional room that patients were welcomed in their famous red four-poster beds (immortalised in the film “La grande Vadrouille”). Here, no one will blame you if you look up to the sky: the oak panelling is adorned with multicoloured dragons that seem to spit out the beams… It’s a promise to discover a place that’s unique in the world!

©Storytellers - Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune

The chapel

The chapel is an integral part of the Salle des Pôvres, and was originally the site of Rogier Van der Weyden’s Polyptych of the Last Judgement. It was commissioned especially for the Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune! And the artist was right to do so: it is his largest work, and fits in perfectly with the town’s heritage.

the Apothecary's

Today’s pharmacists have nothing to fear! The apothecary (the pharmacy of the Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune) contains hundreds of ointments, potions and herbs of all kinds, made by the sister pharmacist and contained in a multitude of glass or porcelain jars. Don’t miss the two stillsused to extract the substances from the plants!

Does the Cour d’Honneur or the Salle des Pôvres ring a bell? You may have seen them in the film La Grande Vadrouille, starring Bourvil and Louis de Funès, or in the latest films by Claude Lelouch (who set up his film school in Beaune). That’s a lot of people to have trodden the Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune… Don’t you think?

The Burgundy Grands Crus route from the air — ©Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne- Les Conteurs

When wine sales take centre stage at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune

Professionals, connoisseurs and ordinary wine lovers all come together at the Hospices de Beaune wine auction every year on the third Sunday in November! Throughout the weekend, street shows and parades follow one another. Not forgetting the tastings organised by Beaune’s leading wine houses… a programme packed with emotion and flavour!

All Sunday afternoon, the great vintages find their buyers. While profits from the sale contribute to the conservation of the hospital’s heritage, a special vintage is chosen to raise funds for one or two charities: the Pièce de Charité (or Pièce des Présidents). In 2024, Médecins sans Frontières and the Global Gift Foundation have been chosen. Once a charity, always a charity!

Want to see the big crowd? European and international stars are coming especially to help raise funds at the auction. Want a few names? We’ve got plenty! Fabrice Luchini, Tony Parker, Charles Aznavour, Teddy Riner, Patrick Bruel, Zabou Breitman, Jean Reno and Eva Longoria have all graced the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune with their presence. And that’s just the beginning!

Where to eat?
Where to sleep?

Le restaurant Monaka | Hôtel voco Beaune – Cité des Vins

Loiseau des Vignes

LE BEST WESTERN PLUS - AU GRAND SAINT JEAN

Hôtel voco Beaune - Cité des Vins

FAQ

Where is Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune located?
The monument is located in central-eastern France, in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, in the town of Beaune, on the Burgundy Grands Crus Route.
What is the difference between the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune and the Hospices Civils de Beaune?
The Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins, is the former hospital of the Middle Ages that is now a historic monument and museum famous for its colourful roofs and its history. By misnomer, it is often referred to as the Hospices de Beaune. But in reality, the Hospices Civils de Beaune refers to the current hospital institution, heir to the Hôtel-Dieu, which groups together the modern care facilities and also manages the wine estate, whose wines are sold each year at the prestigious auction.
How were patients treated at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune?
At the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, the sick were mainly poor people who were admitted free of charge. They were housed in the Salle des Pôvres and cared for by the hospital sisters. Treatment was based on medicinal plants, bloodletting and appropriate food, such as broths or wine cut with water. In addition to the remedies, a great deal of importance was attached to prayer and spiritual comfort, as it was believed that healing the soul also helped to heal the body!
How does a visit to the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune work?
You can visit the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune on your own or with an audio guide. The tour begins in the Grande Salle des Pôvres, where patients were treated in the Middle Ages, followed by the chapel, the pharmacy with its earthenware pots, the kitchen with its large fireplaces, and several richly decorated rooms. You can also admire the famous Last Judgement polyptych by Rogier van der Weyden. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of the hospital, the life of the patients and the role of the nuns. We advise you to book your tickets in advance!
Can I enjoy a wine tasting at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune?
You can’t taste wine all year round at the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune, but only on certain occasions. The best-known of these is the Hospices de Beaune wine auction in November, when the public can taste a number of vintages from the Hospices de Beaune vineyards in the old cuverie. Apart from this event, there are no tastings directly on the Hôtel-Dieu site, but you can discover Hospices wines at partner wine merchants or estates in the region.
Which rooms can I visit at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune?
During your visit to the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune, be sure to discover :
- The Cour d’Honneur and its glazed tiles
- The Salle des Pôvres
- The Salle Saint-Hugues
- The kitchen
- The Apothecary’s
Where are the vineyards of the Domaine de l'Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune located?
The vineyards of the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune stretch around the town of Beaune, in various villages famous for the quality of their wine:
- The village of Pommard
- The village of Meursault
- The village of Volnay
- The village of Savigny
- The village of Aloxe-Corton
The Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune also owns vineyards in the Côte de Nuits, Chablis and Mâconnais regions.
Why are the roofs of the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune so famous?
The roofs of the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune are famous for their beauty and originality. Built in the 15th century in the Burgundian Gothic style, they are covered with multi-coloured glazed tiles forming geometric patterns (lozenges, zigzags) in shades of red, green, yellow and black. This style, typical of Burgundy, was both decorative and practical: the glaze on the tiles protects the structure from the elements. Today, these roofs have become the emblem of Beaune, easily recognisable and photographed the world over.
Are there different ways to visit the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune?
The Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune offers you the chance to book a tour to suit your tastes, whether it’s a quick 15-minute visit or a chance to explore the history of the monument in minute detail! Please note: some tours have been created especially for the European Heritage Days. Don’t forget to take a look at the tour schedule on the website!
Who was Nicolas Rolin?
Nicolas Rolin was chancellor (prime minister, as it were) to the Dukes of Burgundy for over 40 years! An emblematic figure of the Burgundian state in the 14th century, he served John the Fearless, then his son Philip the Good. Twice widowed, he married Guigone de Salins, with whom he founded the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune.
Who was Guigone de Salins?
A medieval noblewoman, Guigone de Salins was a member of the Salins-la-Tour family of lords in the Jura. It was she who encouraged her husband Nicolas Rolin to work for charity and create the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune.
What is the price of a wine auctioned at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune?
The price of a wine from the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune depends on the vintage and the impact of the auction. But prices are generally very high!
If you dream of buying wine at this famous auction, you should know that it is not possible to buy a single bottle: the sale is made piece by piece, i.e. a 228-litre barrel to be precise! To give you an idea, the average price per barrel was €39,155 in 2022.
Can I drink the wine I've just bought at the Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune auction?
Have you just bought a piece at the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune auction? You should know that it is still far from being ready for tasting! The wine is still very young, and needs to be matured in oak barrels. A professional will take care of it for a period of 12 to 18 months to allow the wine’s complex aromas to come to the fore.