Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Hôtel-Dieu

Tired tourists in front of the "Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune" (aka "Hospices de Beaune") in Beaune. The "Hôtel-Dieu" was founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins as a hospital for the poor. The complex actually served as a hospital until the 1970s, when the largest part was converted into a museum. Over the centuries generous benefactors made donations to the hospital, not only woods and works of art but as well vineyards. Since 1859 "Les Trois Glorieuses" takes place here in November. This is a three-day festival and charity wine auction. The Domaine des Hospices de Beaune owns around 61 hectares of vineyard land, much of this classified Grand and Premier cru.

Once a palace used by the Comtesses of Champagne the building became a "Hôtel-Dieu" mid of the 12th century, when lots of pilgrims headed to Provins. Later it was as well used by the foreign merchants attending the fairs and markets here. The building has extensive rooms and cellars underground. It was used as a hospital still in the 20th century, but meanwhile it houses exhibitions and is used for concerts.

Arles´ old hospital "Hôtel-Dieu-Saint-Espirit" was erected in the 16th and 17th century. It got enlarged during the 19th century and by now it is known under the name "Espace Van Gogh". Vincent van Gogh moved to Southern France in February 1888. He lived in Arles for 18 months, maybe this was his most productive time, as he created 187 paintings during this time. Van Gogh was at least twice in this hospital. On 23 December 1888 after a strange incident with Paul Gauguin, van Gogh cut off his earlobe - and was rushed to this hospital. He stayed for about two weeks, but returned to the hospital in February 1889, suffering from hallucinations. He left Arles a couple of months later and entered an asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Vincent painted the "Courtyard of the Hospital". www.wikipaintings.org/en/vincent-van-gogh/the-courtyard-o...

...the Hôtel-Dieu in Tonnere even had toilet seats...

..inside the Hôtel-Dieu de Tonnerre. - This was built as a hospital for the pilgrims heading to Vezelay and from there on to Santiago between 1293 and 1296. The building was financed by Marguerite de Bourgogne. It covers 4500 m² and is one of the largest and oldest of such "hospitals" in France.