A Japanese tourist tastes a glass of Burgundy wine during the Saint-Vincent Tournante festival in Nuits-Saint-Georges, France, Jan. 27, 2007. (Jeff Pachoud/Getty Images)
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The nearby town of Nuits-Saint-Georges has its own history of a Hôtel Dieu for the poor, along with a similar history of donations made by nearby vineyards and winemakers. In the fall, wine auctions are held whose proceeds benefit the Hospices. The Hospices de Beaune auction, for example, will celebrate its 150th anniversary in November 2010. (Cathy Huyghe/GlobalPost)
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Étienne-Jules Marey, memorialized in this statue near the center of town, was born in Beaune in 1830. Marey was a scientist, physician, photographer, and instrument maker. (Cathy Huyghe/GlobalPost)
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The Hostel (or Hôtel) Dieu was founded in Beaune in the 15th century by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin to provide medical care and relief for the destitute. Today the Hôtel Dieu is a museum, noted especially for its multicolored roof on the outside and a Renaissance-era triptych by Rogier van der Weyden on the inside. (Cathy Huyghe/GlobalPost)
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A vendor prepares his display of an array of olives and dried fruits. (Cathy Huyghe/GlobalPost)
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Men and women alike, empty baskets in hand, make their way to the outdoor market in the center of town. Fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats are on offer, though fresh flowers are just as integral to the shopping experience and to the French table. (Cathy Huyghe/GlobalPost)
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Arrive early enough on market day, and shoppers find displays like these baguettes, stacked high to save space. (Cathy Huyghe/GlobalPost)
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Freshness is imperative when shopping for vegetables like these radishes and artichokes, but the visual display of lush produce is also a valuable part of the marketing experience. (Cathy Huyghe/GlobalPost)
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