Hospice de Beaune

The Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune is a former hospital establishment from the 15th century, which has now become a museum, located in Beaune in Burgundy.

Its foundation by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin dates back to 1443. It is famous for both its traditional Burgundian architecture and its prestigious Burgundian vineyard, the production of which is sold at auction under the name of the Hospices de Beaune sale. Nicolas Rolin, chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy Philip III of Burgundy (Philip the Good), and his wife Guigone de Salins decided to create a hospital for the poor but hesitated for a time between Autun and Beaune as the location. The latter city was chosen due to its crossroads location and the absence of a large religious foundation. Thus, on August 4, 1443, the Hôtel-Dieu was born on paper. The Flemish influence is felt in the city, which was at the heart of Burgundian Flanders (the Duchy of Burgundy then included the Burgundian Netherlands). On January 1, 1452, the hospital welcomed its first patient. Elderly people, the infirm, orphans, sick individuals, pregnant women, and the needy frequented the institution free of charge from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Rolin obtained the creation in 1459 of the order of the Hospital Sisters of Beaune, whose rule combines monastic life and help for the poor. They provided care tirelessly and remained the very essence, for centuries, of the Hôtel-Dieu.

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