During your stay on a campsite in Burgundy, enjoy a visit of Beaune and its famous Hospices in the regionBurgundy, Jura and Vosges

If one city has contributed a great deal to Burgundy’s prestigious reputation, it is Beaune. OK, Dijon is the indisputable capital of the region, but Beaune has to be given credits for being Burgundy’s wine capital. The smallish city only counts approx. 35.000 inhabitants and is indeed situated in the heart of the famous vineyards. Its well known Hospices with the characteristic Burgundy roofs organises every year the traditional and world famous Hospices de Beaune wine auction. Let’s have a look at this historic city, also known for its gastronomy…

The old part of the city of Beaune is fairly small. A visit behind the ramparts can easily be done in a day. The best solution would be parking the car just outside the ramparts and discover the old city centre with many 16th century houses on foot.

The ramparts of Beaune have resisted time passing by. They form an almost complete circle of approx. 2 kilometres, which can easily be visited. Eight defence towers are attached to the ramparts. You will find the largest cellars in Beaune underneath the ramparts.

Whilst walking through the city centre you will be amazed by all the beautiful frontages and elegant houses. Particularly worth mentioning is the Hôtel de la Rochepot, a magnificent 15th century building. The Place de la Halle is a beautiful square surrounded by old houses. A pleasant market is held at this square every Saturday morning.

If you are interested in religious art, you just can’t miss out on the Notre-Dame, « Daughter of Cluny », a fine example of Romanesque art in Burgundy. Those of you who take an interest in wines, go for a visit to the Musée des Vins de Bourgogne, housed in the former Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne. This museum tells you all about the rich history of the Burgundy vineyards.

The city of Beaune is mainly known for the famous Hospices. The Hospices are actually a hospital, an old people’s home and, of course, the Hôtel-Dieu. It’s the Hôtel-Dieu every one thinks of first when we talk about the Hospices. An absolute masterpiece of Burgundy-Flamish art, the Hôtel-Dieu with the typical Burgundy roofs was built in the 15th century. Besides the frontage and the extraordinary “Chambre des Pauvres” (very large room of 72 meters long covered by a magnificent vault), the Hôtel-Dieu boasts superb art collections as well. One of the best known paintings in religious art, the Last Judgement by Roger van der Weyden can be found inside the Hôtel-Dieu.

Every year, the most prestigious wines of the Côte de Beaune are put on auction at the Hospices de Beaune. The money brought in by these wine sales at candle light (the auction is finished when two candles are burnt down) are used for the maintenance of the Hôtel-Dieu and the Hospices.

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