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.
Hospices de Beaune at a Glance#
Address: Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune), 3 Rue de l’Hôtel-Dieu, 21200 Beaune, France
Website: https://www.hospices-de-beaune.com/en/
Hours: Daily 9:00am-6:00pm (extended in high season); check seasonal variations
Admission: €12-€15 adult (museum); discounts for students and seniors; wine-tasting and auction events separately priced
About Hospices de Beaune#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 5° | -1° | 63 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 7° | 0° | 56 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| March | Good | 3° - 12° | 5° | 50 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.8 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 5° - 15° | 8° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Good | 9° - 19° | 14° | 89 mm | overcast | 77% | 3.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Very Good | 12° - 23° | 17° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Very Good | 15° - 25° | 20° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Very Good | 14° - 25° | 20° | 64 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Very Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 8° - 15° | 11° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 75 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 6° | 0° | 66 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
