Was it the pale yellow facade that first caught your eye? This is the Site historique de l’Hôpital Richaud in Versailles. For centuries this building has stood as a testament to history. Once a modest Maison de la charité it evolved. It became the Royal Hospital of Versailles.
Initially a small charity house run by the Daughters of Saint Vincent de Paul. It was established by Louis XIII in 1636. Over time the hospital expanded. This was to accommodate more and more patients. The current building however was constructed later. It was built under the direction of architect Charles Francois Darnaudin. He used plans by Ange-Jacques Gabriel. Construction lasted from 1781 to 1859. That’s nearly 80 years. It was interrupted by the Revolution.
The building’s growth was rather haphazard. There was no master plan. Different styles blended together. The original architectural structures were preserved. The chapel however remains a central feature. The facades and roofs of the hospital buildings are classified as historical monuments.
The hospital transferred its operations in 1981. The site then fell into disrepair. It was briefly considered as an annex for the court of appeal. That project ultimately failed.
Then in 2009 the OGIC company acquired most of the Royal Hospital. They transformed it into housing. There are also shops and offices. Twenty percent of the housing units are social housing. The transformation was costly. New buildings were constructed. These paid for the restoration of the historic ones. The new apartments sold out quickly. Within a weekend they were all gone.
The renovated chapel is now called Espace Richaud. It hosts exhibitions and theatrical performances. One notable exhibition was dedicated to the Little Prince. The gardens are open to the public. Pedestrian and cycle paths make it accessible. The Site historique de l’Hôpital Richaud is now part of the Carré des Siècles complex. It’s a vibrant mix of old and new. It shows how even after years of neglect a space can be revived. The history of the Site historique de l’Hôpital Richaud is a testament to resilience.