Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune

Owned by the Hospices Civils de Beaune, this remarkably well-preserved heritage site was founded in 1443 thanks to the patronage of Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy, and his last wife Guigone de Salins. Conceived as a "palace for the poor", the charitable institution - entrusted by the donors to the good care of the Dames Hospitalières - remained in operation until the early 1970s, before a modern hospital, better suited to developments in healthcare, was built on the outskirts of Beaune's historic centre.

Known for its polychrome glazed tile roofs, the Hôtel-Dieu is one of the few remaining examples of late medieval civil architecture, and an important place of remembrance of hospital history. As you wander through the rooms, the centuries pass by, from the 15th to the 21st century: Let yourself be surprised by the ambience of the Salle des Pôvres or the Salle Saint-Hugues, discover the collection of furniture and tapestries, the medical instruments and the evolution of care practices; also take the time to observe each of the façades of the Cour d'Honneur, to contemplate the polyptych of the Last Judgement by Rogier van der Weyden or to sit down in the courtyard of the founders recently planted with the "Échos Polychromes" garden, a contemporary tribute to the garden of the simple...

Experience the 2026 season
Guided tours, self-guided tours, sensory workshops... To each his own Hôtel-Dieu with the triptych DE L'ESPRIT HOSPITALIER.

The DE L'ESPRIT HOSPITALIER triptych will run from 2026 to 2028 under 3 key headings: MOVEMENT(S) of bodies, PASSION(S) of souls and LANGUAGE(S) of care.

In 2026, we are in MOVEMENT(S) to appreciate the "bodies being cared for" and the "caring bodies". From medical advances to the current approaches of healthcare professionals, from transformations to the built heritage to restorations and interior fittings, from the creation of the Wine Sale to film shoots, from meetings with Hospices Civils de Beaune hospital staff to exchanges with enthusiasts of the site, the Hôtel-Dieu can be seen, heard, touched and tasted.

MOVEMENT(S) of hands to care for, create and transcribe, of mandibles to savour, of lips to express themselves or remain silent, of bodies that move or atrophy, of buildings and objects that undergo the test of time and climate, of eyes that observe or scrutinise, of an ear that listens, of another that interprets, of arms that open or close...

MOUVEMENT(S) is an invitation to feel and sense the spirit of the place, each according to their own emotions, thoughts and history. The Hôtel-Dieu is yours to share, a living hospital heritage
It's a living hospital heritage in a state of flux, with periodic movements that are part of the perpetual motion of human history.