Hospices de Beaune Hôtel-Dieu
A flamboyant medieval hospital showcasing stunning architecture and a deep dive into 15th-century life and healthcare.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Hospices de Beaune Hôtel-Dieu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A flamboyant medieval hospital showcasing stunning architecture and a deep dive into 15th-century life and healthcare.
"The free audio guide really brought all of the amazing history of the Hotel - Dieu to life."
⏳ Allow 1.5 Hours
Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore and absorb the history with the audio guide. :clock1:
🎧 Audio Guide is Key
Don't miss the audio guide; it's highly recommended for a deep dive into the history. :headphones:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Hall (Salle des Pôvres)
Main building
Marvel at the stunning polychrome tiled roof and the vast hall that once housed the sick. A true architectural masterpiece.
The Pharmacy
Ground floor
Explore an astonishingly preserved 18th-century pharmacy, showcasing ancient remedies and medical equipment.
The Kitchen
Ground floor
Step back in time to see the original kitchen, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of patients and staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Embrace the Audio Guide
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow 1.5 Hours
Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore and absorb the history with the audio guide. :clock1:
🎧 Audio Guide is Key
Don't miss the audio guide; it's highly recommended for a deep dive into the history. :headphones:
📸 Stunning Architecture
The flamboyant medieval architecture, especially the roof, is a photographer's dream. :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Option
Ask for the children's version of the audio guide for younger visitors. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow 1.5 Hours
Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore and absorb the history with the audio guide. :clock1:
🎧 Audio Guide is Key
Don't miss the audio guide; it's highly recommended for a deep dive into the history. :headphones:
📸 Stunning Architecture
The flamboyant medieval architecture, especially the roof, is a photographer's dream. :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Option
Ask for the children's version of the audio guide for younger visitors. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hospices de Beaune for its stunning architecture, particularly the vibrant tiled roof, and its rich historical significance as a medieval hospital. The highly recommended audio guide is credited with bringing the past to life, making the visit both educational and engaging. While some find the entrance fee a bit high, most agree it's a worthwhile experience for understanding Beaune's non-wine history.
"The free audio guide really brought all of the amazing history of the Hotel - Dieu to life. Architecturally stunning and historically impressive. We loved every minute of our visit. (The audio guide also has a children's option so don't hesitate to ask!) We reserved our spot easily online and walked right in."
Elizabeth Galloway
"A must have seen in Beaune. Yes the roof is great. But for me the history of the very old hospital and its foundation fascinates me more. You get an audioguide, which I highly recommand. The tour is about 1 to 1,5 hours. A lot old hospital furnitures and equipment. Entrance was 12€, which is ok for such an historic place!"
R. Ant
"Really loved the audio guide that gave great information but was entertaining the way it is done. Took us about an hour and a half to go through and a great picture of the non wine history in Beaune. Especially liked the pharmacie room and the presentation of every day life in those times."
Rosalie Brooke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hospices de Beaune is centrally located in Beaune, France. If you're arriving by car, there are parking options nearby. Many visitors arrive in Beaune via train from larger cities like Paris or Lyon, and the Hospices is a short walk from the train station.
While renting a car offers flexibility for exploring surrounding vineyards and towns, it's not essential for visiting the Hospices de Beaune itself, as it's easily accessible within the town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance to the Hospices de Beaune typically costs around 12€. It's considered a reasonable price for the historical significance and experience.
Yes, you can easily reserve your 'Hotel Dieu Beaune tickets' online in advance, which is recommended to save time, especially during busy periods.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Generally, it's open daily.
There is no specific dress code, but it's advisable to dress respectfully as it's a historical and former medical institution. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking. :athletic_shoe:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way to experience the 'Hotel Dieu Beaune Museum' is by utilizing the free audio guide, which provides detailed historical context and engaging stories about the site.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the Hospices de Beaune, allowing ample time to listen to the audio guide and appreciate the exhibits.
While the audio guide is highly recommended and comprehensive, specific guided tours might be available depending on the season and availability. Inquire upon arrival.
Accessibility can be limited in some older parts of the building due to its historical nature. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility information. :wheelchair:
The Hospices de Beaune, also known as 'Hospices de Beaune Hotel Dieu', was a medieval hospital founded in 1443 to care for the poor and sick, and it's renowned for its stunning architecture and historical importance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the Hospices de Beaune itself. However, the surrounding town of Beaune offers numerous excellent restaurants and cafes. :forkandknife:
Beaune is a culinary hub, especially for Burgundy cuisine. You'll find a variety of bistros and fine dining options just a short walk from the 'Hotel Dieu Beaune'.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Hospices de Beaune, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the historical artifacts. Always check for signage.
The Salle des Pôvres with its vibrant tiled roof is incredibly photogenic. The pharmacy and the exterior courtyard also offer fantastic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical context might be complex, focusing on the visual elements – the colorful roof, the old beds, and the interesting objects in the pharmacy – can keep children entertained. It's a great opportunity to introduce them to French history outside of Paris in a visually stimulating environment.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
After your visit, you're perfectly positioned to explore the renowned Côte de Beaune wine region. Beaune is the capital of this area, offering numerous opportunities for wine tasting, vineyard tours, and exploring the picturesque villages that produce some of the world's finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Healthcare
Visitors are often struck by the Salle des Pôvres (Hall of the Poor), a grand ward designed to house numerous patients. The audio guide is crucial here, detailing the daily routines, the types of illnesses treated, and the social context of the time. You'll see original beds, furniture, and even medical instruments, offering a vivid, albeit sobering, look at life centuries ago.
The pharmacy is another highlight, remarkably preserved with its original apothecary jars and equipment. It underscores the blend of traditional remedies and early scientific understanding that characterized medieval medicine. Exploring these rooms provides a profound appreciation for the historical significance of the 'Hospices de Beaune Hotel Dieu' beyond its architectural splendor.
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures
Inside, the Salle des Pôvres is a breathtaking space, with its impressive wooden ceiling and rows of historic beds. The building also houses a collection of significant artworks, including "The Last Judgment" polyptych by Rogier van der Weyden, a masterpiece of Flemish art commissioned by Nicolas Rolin.
Beyond the main hall, the kitchen and other service areas offer further insights into the operational aspects of this historic institution. The overall preservation and the quality of the artifacts make the 'Hotel Dieu Beaune museum' a treasure trove for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit