Founded at the end of the Hundred Years’ War by Nicolas Rolin—the chancellor of Burgundy—the Hospices de Beaune is considered one of the region’s finest cultural attractions. In addition to its distinctive Flemish-inspired architecture, the building’s Grande Salle and museum collection (featuring paintings, tapestries, and other medieval treasures) are popular with history geeks and art connoisseurs—don’t miss Rogier van der Weyden’s The Beaune Altarpiece. The Hospices de Beaune is also a wine destination, with 148 acres (60 hectares) of vineyards with pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. Every year, a wine auction takes place on the third Sunday of November. Wine tours of Burgundy and guided biking excursions typically stop by the Hospices de Beaune.
Located in the heart of the city, the Hospices de Beaune is roughly a 15-minute walk from the Gare de Beaune (the main train station), and a 7-minute trip by car or taxi. If you’re visiting from Paris, Beaune is about a 3-hour drive down the A6. The building and its courtyards are best explored on foot.
The Hospices de Beaune is normally open daily year-round, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The site usually closes for several hours at lunchtime, so plan your visit for the morning or afternoon. Hours vary depending on the season. To see Beaune at its most festive, go during the Three Glorious Days of Burgundy.
Held on the third weekend of November, the Three Glorious Days of Burgundy (Les Trois Glorieuses de Bourgogne) is one of the wine world’s most celebrated and exclusive events. Besides the Hospices de Beaune charitable auction, La Paulée (a legendary wine-sharing party) and dinner at the Michelin-starred Clos de Vougeot round out the itinerary.
