Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon

Lyon, France

Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon was a hospital. First erected in medieval times, the building originally served as a pontifical meeting-place and refuge for both traveling and local members of the clergy (est. 1184). However, when the first doctor Maître Martin Conras was hired in 1454, Hôtel-Dieu became a fully functional hospital, one of the most important in France. As Lyon was a city known for its trade and seasonal fairs, many of the early patients were weary travelers of foreign descent.

In 1532, Hôtel-Dieu appointed former Franciscan/Benedictine monk-turned-doctor and great Humanist François Rabelais, who would write his Gargantua and Pantagruel during his tenure here. Renaissance poet Louise Labé lived just beyond the western limits of the building.

Massive expansion projects in the 17th century by Ducellet (under Louis XIII and Richelieu) and in the 18th century by Soufflot (under Louis XIV and Colbert) replaced the original building with the grandiose wings and courts we know today. In fact, at its greatest point, the hospital extended from its present position beyond Bellecour to engulf the area now occupied by the central post office.

'Hôtel-Dieu' houses the Musée des Hospices Civils a permanent exhibit tracing the history and practice of medicine from the Middle Ages to modern time and includes a fine collection of apothecary vases amongst other objects.

In May 2015, it was announced that the building, which ceased to function as a hospital in 2010, will be converted to a luxury hotel, the InterContinental Lyon, opening in 2018.

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Founded: 17th century
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in France

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Hilda Sen (11 months ago)
Very well renovated. Mix of old and new. Service is impeccable and room is simply one of the best amongst Intercontinental chain.
Bob Daniels (13 months ago)
The old hospital has been transformed into a hotel and a range of high end shops. The buildings architecture is stunning and well worth a visit. Entry is free.
Robert Semler (13 months ago)
Our room was very nice. The dining room was very beautiful. We had cocktails in the Dome, it was exquisite. The highlight of the Hotel. Our server, Etienne, was exceptional!
Georges Younes (2 years ago)
What was once a hospital is now a shopping mall, a hotel and a great place to chill. Besides shops, there are a few restaurants, a couple of museums and exhibitions places. You could easily spend the day here and not feel the need to go elsewhere. The renovation and the switch in functions are a definite success.
UnDiplomatic Wife (2 years ago)
Fantastic and opulent historical structure that used to be a hospital. It's so magical going around this place especially on Christmas time when they have stunning decor, Christmas market & we were even lucky to witness a ballet performance. The shops and department store are so stunning, chic and tasteful. My eyes were drinking everything in. Whether you are a shopper or not, this is a place to walk around and marvel at the architectural details of days gone by.
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