Beaune, located south of Dijon, is the unofficial capital of the Côte d'Or (a department in the eastern part of France). This thriving town's reason for existing is wine: making it, tasting it, selling it, but most of all, drinking it. Consequently Beaune is one of the best places in all of France for wine tasting. The jewel of Beaune's old city is the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu, an exquisite medieval charity hospital.
Dijon is perhaps best known for its mustard (named after the town), which is still produced locally. It is also one of the most beautiful cities in France, as its historic buildings and byways were not heavily damaged by bombing in World War Two and are largely intact.
Fixin is located in the Côte de Nuits region between Dijon and Gevrey-Chambertin. In 1860 it merged with the neighbouring hamlet of Fixey. We so enjoyed a tour of a winery here and a fabulous dinner!
Walled cemetery surrounded by vineyards on the road between Dijon and Beaune in Burgundy.
Miles of vineyards along the road between Dijon and Beaune in Burgundy.
Les Cave du Palais winery on the south side of Nuits-Saint-Georges.
Domaine D'Ardhuy winery on the road between Dijon and Beaune in Burgundy.
Extensive vineyards on the road between Dijon and Beaune in Burgundy.
Very ornate tile roof on a farmhouse a bit north of Beaune.
Entrance to the Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune a former charitable almshouse in Beaune. It was founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Burgundy, as a hospital for the poor.
Inner courtyard of the Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune in Beaune, France.
Detail of the ornate tile roof of the Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune in Beaune, France.
Individual semi-private beds in the Hospices. Given the living conditions at the time these must have seemed incredibly luxurious.
Rows of individual semi-private beds in the Hospices de Beaune. Jim in green with back to camera.
Interior ceiling detail in a room with individual semi-private beds in the Hospices de Beaune.
Detail of the entrance to the chapel of the Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune a former charitable almshouse in Beaune, France.
The chapel. Location was chosen at the end of the room with semi-private beds to allow the bedridden to attend Mass from their beds. It was the original location of the van der Weyden altarpiece.
Somewhat more upscale hospital beds in the Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune in Beaune, France.
Model of the Hospices de Beaune.
Kitchen of the Hospices de Beaune. Note the bird head spout over the large pot.
Pharmaceutical laboratory room in the Hospices de Beaune.
Tapestries in the Hospices de Beaune.
Tapestry in the Hospices de Beaune. Exquisite when viewed up close.
Francie Stoutamire Photography
