From Hospice to Hermitage, 500 years of History
The Hospice Gantois was founded in 1462 by Jean de la Cambe (nicknamed Gantois). Up till 1995
without interruption it continues to welcome old sick people.
In September 2003, the Hospice Gantois became Hotel Hermitage Gantois 5***** offering 72 rooms,
a sauna, a Gastronomic Restaurant L’Hremitage, a Flamish Bistrot : L’Estaminet Gantois, a piano and
live musical animation Bar, reception halls and conference rooms to organise your meeting, cocktail,
marriage and banquet.
The Chapel (1) built in 1666, knowing that at that period the hospitals mostly cured the soul rather
than the sick bodies. The presence of relics and an altar signifies that the people assisting in certain
religious ceremonies were allow 40 days of indulgence, which explain the importance of this chapel
compared to the size of the Hospice, in fact, it was a place of pilgrimage and popular devotion because
there were found the relics of saint John Baptist leftover of the collegial of saint Pierre (destroyed
during the revolution): all these got disappeared during the bombardment of Lille in 1914. This chapel
was a private hospital chapel for the residents. The religious were having a private chapel called
(oratories) situated on the top floor beside the Augustinian sector from where they follow the
fellowship. The chapel was in full activity till 1939.
La salle des Malades (sale des Hospices) (2) a gothic gable of 15th century, surrounded by blocks of
17th century houses, lined with old Lille decorative tiles of 18th century, which you will also find in the
little cupboards. Ten niches flamboyant style, sculpted in blue stone, carrying Burgundy arms: Lighter
and Saint Andrew’s cross. Only the Apostles and the Saints names remain. Two niches were
disappeared during the construction of the chapel. Vestiges of a wall fresco show the transfer of relics
of Saint Piat of Seclin to Gantois in 1479. The large stained glass over the main entrance door was
made during the transformation to hotel.
Place of memories (the museum) (3) In charge of L’association du musée hospitalier, it enable a
retrospective history of the hospice and the temporary exhibition presenting the old medicals
instruments. Every Tuesday from 2pm to 5pm, a guided tour offered by the association volunteers to
lake you discover the prestigious past of the old hospice.
The refectory of the religious community (Saint hall) (4) this rare and remarkable piece dated from
18th century, entirely oak-paneled and decorated with a beautiful marble mantel. The ceiling
plasterwork reminds the coat of Jean de la Cambe. This dining hall was furnished with two Flemish
sideboards and a magnificent oakside longcase clock. The windows were giving to the community
courtyard.
The Laundry room (Library) (5) transform to Library: it was filled of laundry shelves and one central
furniture. In the mantel shows the stylish Lille tiles stove and above are found a paschal lamb in
stuccowork.
The commissary courtyard (The bar) (6) was the biggest courtyard that was covered during the
transformation to hotel.
The sister’s courtyard (7) a place of relaxation of sisters where the beautiful graded glycine is rejoicing
since 250 years ago.
The main courtyard (8) Built in 1664 and renovated in 1722, it’s a place of relaxing and soothing the
mind. On top of each window you can observe what we call “the disk