Hôtel-Dieu, Beaune

The Hôtel-Dieu, Beaune is the former hospital in the centre of Beaune, France, now a museum, but still run by the Hospices de Beaune. It is now an outstanding example of the architecture of its period.

Though it is built largely of wood, the material is in good preservation. The buildings which surround the main courtyard have high-pitched roofs surmounted by numerous dormer windows with decorated gables, recalling the Flemish style of architecture.

The main hall, although much restored during the 19th century, shows the original arrangement of the hospital with a row of curtained beds down each side and a space between where those able to get out of bed would have eaten at long tables. It opens directly onto the chapel.

The hospice possesses many artistic treasures, among them the mural paintings of the 17th century in the Salle St Hugues and an altarpiece, the "Last Judgment", attributed to Roger van der Weyden.

External links

* [http://www.hospices-de-beaune.com/gb/hospices/index.php Official site]