1204, the founding of the hospital
In 1204, Duke Eudes III of Burgundy founded the Hôpital du Saint-Esprit on the outskirts of Dijon. Located along the road leading south, it was set up on an island in the middle of the Ouche River, ensuring its isolation. It took in abandoned children and pilgrims. The institution grew over time, becoming Dijon’s largest hospital in the 18th century. Now known as the “general hospital”, it continued its mission of care and treatment until 2015, when the last patients and caregivers moved to the new site of the university hospital center to the east of the city.
From the hospital to the Cité
Eight centuries of hospital history remain deeply etched in stone and space. In 2022, the former general hospital gave way to the Cité internationale de la gastronomie et du vin, after 10 years of a major conversion project. The buildings protected as historic monuments have been renovated and fully integrated into the new complex. Discovering the site invites you to stroll among the witnesses to this long history, from buildings dating back to the Middle Ages to contemporary constructions.
A brochure entitled “Focus: Dijon’s former general hospital” is available free of charge from 1204 for self-guided discovery of the site and its remarkable heritage.
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Duke Eudes III of Burgundy founds the Hôpital du Saint-Esprit at the gates of Dijon
1204
Located along the road leading south, it was built on an island in the middle of the Ouche River, allowing for its isolation. It took in abandoned children and pilgrims.
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The general hospital
18th century
The institution grew over time, becoming Dijon’s most important hospital in the 18th century. Henceforth known as the “general hospital”, it continued its mission of care and treatment.
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The site loses its hospital function
2015
The last patients and caregivers move to the new site of the university hospital center to the east of the city.
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The Cité internationale de la gastronomie et du vin opens its doors
2022
After major rehabilitation work, the site of Dijon’s former hospital takes on a new vocation as a showcase for France’s gastronomic heritage!
