Hospices de Beaune
Building Medieval hospital in Beaune with iconic polychrome roof
A 15th-century hospice in Beaune, the Hospices de Beaune is noted for its polychrome tiled roof, medieval wards and an annual wine auction; visitors tour its preserved interiors and museum.
The Hospices de Beaune, also known as the Hôtel-Dieu of Beaune, is a former charitable hospital in Beaune, Burgundy, France, founded in 1443. It is famous for its preserved medieval hospital complex and colourful Burgundian tiled roof.
The complex includes the original hospital wards and a richly decorated chapel with 15th-century architecture and interior fittings; the glazed polychrome tile roof is a distinctive visual feature. The site functions as a museum and cultural venue and is widely visited by tourists to Burgundy.
Established in the mid-15th century to care for the poor, the Hospices operated as a medical institution for centuries; its endowment was supported by charitable gifts and later by wine bequests. In the 19th and 20th centuries the historic buildings were preserved and converted for museum use while the charitable foundation continued to manage vineyards and the annual wine auction.
The Hospices are located in the centre of Beaune in the Burgundy region of eastern France, within the historic town known for its wine industry and proximity to Burgundy vineyard areas.
- Founding: Founded in 1443 by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin and his wife Guigone de Salins as a charitable hospital for the poor.
- Wine auction: Home to a famous annual wine auction first held in 1859, which raises funds for the institution's historic endowment.
How to Get to Hospices de Beaune #
Beaune is on the Dijon-Lyon rail corridor. From Gare de Beaune a 10-15 minute walk leads through the old town to Rue de l’Hôtel-Dieu. Regional buses and taxis also serve the centre.
Tips for Visiting Hospices de Beaune #
- Arrive before midday to tour the hospital kitchens and the medieval ward rooms before guided groups arrive.
- Buy a ticket that includes the wine cellar if available - the Hospices' 15th-century cellar is one of the site's most evocative spaces.
- Check the calendar: the famous wine auction takes place the third Sunday of November and drastically changes the town's rhythm.
Best Time to Visit Hospices de Beaune #
Best in spring or autumn; the wine-auction weekend in November is famous but very crowded.
Weather & Climate near Hospices de Beaune #
Hospices de Beaune's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (807 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 89 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.