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One of the group’s shore excursions took us to the Hotel-Dieu des Hospices Civils de Beaune, with its unique glaze-tiled roof; the hospice was founded in 1443 and was
soon after dubbed “a palace for the poor.” Its facilities and care, dedicated to the residents of Beaune, who were declared destitute upon the conclusion of the Hundred
Years’ War were far above anything available anywhere for those with few resources. Over the years, winemakers from the region have donated vineyards and the Hospice
now owns more than 60 hectares (120+ acres) of prime grape-growing land in Burgundy and is able to continue to support itself today via auctions and sale of its wine; its
hospital activities have been located in a newer building since the 1970s and the original structure has become a museum well worth visiting.
cocktails, or other liquid treats each time we return from a shore excursion.
That first night, we cruised along the River Saône as we enjoyed our four-
course dinner and spirited conversations.
On Monday morning, we enter the Canal de Bourgogne and head
toward Dijon, stopping along the way to visit some of the vineyards of
the Cote d’Or and drive a couple World War II Jeeps through the rows
of vines. After lunch, we enjoy a hike through a truffle orchard and a
demonstration of how truffles are found by trained dogs.
Tuesday brings us into Dijon, its farmers market, and a Grey Poupon
mustard shop before heading out to the Ducal Palace. We dock here for
the evening and eat dinner gazing at the stars and the lights of Dijon.
Wednesday we find ourselves along the Route des Grand Crus in the
village of Gevrey-Chambertin, where Christine Drouhin Laroze, proprietor
Rows of hospital beds line the walls of the 15th-century Hotel-Dieu des Hos-
pices Civils in Beaune, complete with a chair for a visitor or caretaker, and a bed
table for personal belongings. Clean sheets, a warm blanket, curtain for privacy,
and a comfortable bed were all part of the care, given mostly by Catholic nuns.
TRAVEL