The Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu) is a charitable hospital founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins to care for the poor and sick in the aftermath of the Hundred Years' War. It is famous for its geometric polychrome glazed-tile roof, the Great Hall of the Poor lined with red-curtained beds, and Rogier van der Weyden's 'Last Judgement' polyptych. It served as a working hospital until 1971 and is now a museum. In 2026 the site opens the first year of its 'DE L'ESPRIT HOSPITALIER' triptych under the theme 'MOUVEMENT(S)' (movement), and it remains the stage for the world-renowned charity wine auction held every third Sunday of November (16 November edition; 2026 falls on 15 November).
The polychrome glazed-tile roof seen from the inner Court of Honour — interlaced red, yellow, green and brown tiles, an emblem of Burgundy
The Great Hall of the Poor (Grande Salle des Pôvres) — a 50 m ward with red-curtained beds, a painted boat-hull timber ceiling, and a chapel at the far end
Rogier van der Weyden's 'Last Judgement' altarpiece — a 15th-century Flemish masterpiece displayed in its own room with a magnifying viewer
The historic apothecary (pharmacy) — rows of faience jars and mortars from the old dispensary
The kitchen, the Guigone de Salins tapestries, and the courtyard well that evoke 15th-century hospital life
Good to know
SeasonDuring the wine-auction weekend on the third Sunday of November (around 15 November 2026), Beaune is extremely crowded, lodging and prices spike, and the Hôtel-Dieu's opening hours may change — confirm and book well ahead if visiting then.
SeasonIn the July–August peak and on weekends, queues can be long, so buy official tickets online in advance. From January–March and mid-November–December the site runs shortened hours (9:00–12:30 & 14:00–18:30), with some days opening only in the afternoon.
RulesTicket sales close one hour before the site closes, and the audioguided visit takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, so arrive with time to spare. Prices and hours change, so check the official website for the latest before you go.
MannersThis is a former charity hospital with a working chapel. Keep quiet in the Great Hall and chapel, do not touch the beds or exhibits, and follow on-site signage on photography (flash and tripods are typically restricted).
SafetyBeaune is a generally safe small town, but mind your belongings in the packed courtyard and during festival weeks, and wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones. Stone interiors stay cool even in summer, so bring a light layer.
CautionBuy tickets only from the official box office or official booking site. Around the auction and festivals, watch for marked-up unofficial resale, 'wine tour' touts, and fake online tickets.
Practical info
The Hôtel-Dieu sits in the heart of old Beaune at 2 rue de l'Hôtel-Dieu, 21200 Beaune, reachable by TGV via Dijon or Paris and a short walk from Beaune station. As of 2026 the adult ticket is around €12.5 and includes an audioguide, but prices, opening hours and the special route change periodically, so confirm the latest on the official website.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
