Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hospices de Seurre, founded in the 4th quarter of the 17th century, replaced hospitals destroyed in 1473 by the Swiss and in 1650 by the troops of Louis XIV. Faced with disastrous health conditions (promiscuity, epidemics), the Sisters of the Sainte-Marthe community alert the magistrates of Seurre. After consulting the population in 1688, a new hospital was built, including an 18-bed patient room and a wing dedicated to the sisters (refectory, infirmary, apothecary).

Between 1730 and 1734, a chapel under the name of Saint-Louis was added, followed in 1765–67 by a room between men and women, financed by a benefactor. In the 19th century, the north wing (1859) received infirm and old thanks to a legacy of the Baudot Veuve, including two beds reserved for indigents of Pagny-le-Château. In 1877–78, the pavilions of the gate were built under the direction of the architect of Dijonnais Louis Belin.

The site, symmetrically shaped U since the 19th century, combines bricks and flat tiles. The court serves as an ambulance for patients, while the garden supplies medicinal plants and vegetables. The Apothecary, key piece, houses 100 pots of Dijon earthenware and a bronze mortar of 1679. The chapel, with 18th century stained glass windows, allows patients to follow the office from their bed.

Partially classified as Historical Monuments in 1976 (façades, roofs, patient room, pharmacy), the Hospices have been home to a geriatric service since 1978 and, since 1986, a retirement home. Their history reflects the evolution of hospital care in Burgundy, combining religious charity, patronage and architectural adaptations.

Among the remarkable spaces are the bishop's room (originally dedicated to the bishop of Besançon), the infirmary of the sisters with the open panel, and the men's room with its oak beds from 1782 used until 1980. Letters patent of Louis XIV and Louis XV are kept there, testifying to their royal protection.

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