Hospices de Beaune
2 Rue de l’Hôtel Dieu, Beaune, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hospices de Beaune (aka the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune is one of Burgundy’s most storied buildings. Founded as a charitable hospital in 1443, the landmark is known for its turrets, colorful roof tiles, and pretty courtyards—as well as the annual wine auction it hosts. The on-site museum also draws art lovers.
Founded at the end of the Hundred Years’ War by Nicolas Rolin—the chancellor of Burgundy—the Hospices de Beaune is considered one of the region’s finest cultural attractions. In addition to its distinctive Flemish-inspired architecture, the building’s Grande Salle and museum collection (featuring paintings, tapestries, and other medieval treasures) are popular with history geeks and art connoisseurs—don’t miss Rogier van der Weyden’s The Beaune Altarpiece. The Hospices de Beaune is also a wine destination, with 148 acres (60 hectares) of vineyards with pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. Every year, a wine auction takes place on the third Sunday of November. Wine tours of Burgundy and guided biking excursions typically stop by the Hospices de Beaune.
- Most visitors spend around 60 minutes at the Hospices de Beaune.
- Audio guides are available in 10 languages.
- The French film La Grande Vadrouille (Don’t Look Now in English) was shot at the Hospices de Beaune.
Located in the heart of the city, the Hospices de Beaune is roughly a 15-minute walk from the Gare de Beaune (the main train station), and a 7-minute trip by car or taxi. If you’re visiting from Paris, Beaune is about a 3-hour drive down the A6. The building and its courtyards are best explored on foot.
The Hospices de Beaune is normally open daily year-round, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The site usually closes for several hours at lunchtime, so plan your visit for the morning or afternoon. Hours vary depending on the season. To see Beaune at its most festive, go during the Three Glorious Days of Burgundy.
Held on the third weekend of November, the Three Glorious Days of Burgundy (Les Trois Glorieuses de Bourgogne) is one of the wine world’s most celebrated and exclusive events. Besides the Hospices de Beaune charitable auction, La Paulée (a legendary wine-sharing party) and dinner at the Michelin-starred Clos de Vougeot round out the itinerary.
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