Beaune is a commune in
eastern France, a sub-province of the Côte-d'Or area,
in the Bourgogne region. Beaune has about 21,923 inhabitants
(1999). The area around Beaune, the Côte de Beaune, is
known for its Burgundy wines. Beaune (although lacking a Grand
Cru vineyard within the commune) is something of a hub in the
wine business, since it is the largest city within the wine
region. Beaune is known for its annual wine sale organized by
the Hospices de Beaune. Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of the Duke
of Burgundy, and his wife, founded this organization in 1442.
The Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune is the place
most worth seeing in the city. This building, which dates from
1443, was still being used as a hospital in 1971. Today a part
of it is used as a home for senior citizens; the main part is
used as a museum. Each year, more than 400,000 tourists visit
the Hôtel-Dieu. They can admire more than 5000 objects
including the Polyptych of The Last Judgement, a master work
of art by the Flemish painter Rogier Van Der Weyden.
|
A few pictures...
The multicoloured roofs of the Hôtel-Dieu
have become one of the symbols of Burgundy.
Grande salle des «Pôvres»
(Hall of the Poor).
The Hall of the Poor is situated on the
front elevation of the building. A wooden painted roof covers
this impressive hall, which is almost 50 meters long, 14 meters
wide and 16 meters high. In this room are two rows with beds
(northern and southern wall). The central part of the room was
furnished with tables and benches. Many people will recognize
these images because the hall was used in the movie 'Le grande
Vadrouille', with Louis de Funès and Bourvil.
At Hotel Dieu ,God's name can be seen twice
in the hospices, although the first time there is a doubt about
whether it is God's name or not because we do not recognize
the characters. This first time is in the room (Salle) Saint
Louis - see the band of images. The second time it is seen is
in the room (Salle) Saint Nicolas. Here God's name can be seen
at the top of a painting which represents Pentecost.
|
