The Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune , a former charitable almshouse of the XVth century that is now a museum, is located in Beaune in Burgundy .

The Hospices de Beaune is a charitable instutution in Beaune, France. It was founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Burgundy, as a hospital for the poor and needy. The original hospital building, the Hôtel-Dieu, one of the finest examples of French fifteenth-century architecture, is now a museum visited by more the 400'000 tourists every year.

One of the unique characteristics of the Hospices Civils de Beaune is their wine producing estate.

All French hospitals are generally the owners of farms, buildings, heath land or forests, which do not provide much profit. Sometimes these properties may even cost more than they bring in.

The Beaune institution, thanks to the donations and legacies which have been made throughout its history, is the owner of more than 61 hectares (152 acres) vineyards.

Most of these vineyard plots are located in prestigious appellations. They are nearly all first growths and great growths.

An important charity wine auction is held in November each year.

The Hospices de Beaune is a 15th century hospital, now a museum. If the buildings can look very common from the ouside, once inside you can see the roofs are superbly decorated, revealing an unsuspected wealth. It's because burgundy was in the 15th century in the grip of the ecorcheurs . They were demobilised soldiers from the 100 years war, turned pillards. There was nothing sacred for them, not even an hospital. The best way to avoid the hospital being ransacked by those bandits , whose well earned reputation of barbarity was terrorising the whole province, was to carefully hide any mark of wealth. It explains why, from outside, nobody can notice any of the hospices riches.

Absolute amazing house complex with interesting museum. Also superb looking roof and its titles. Nearby you can find nice wine cellars having, of course, splendid selection of good local wines. The old town itself is like a gem.