Sixty-one million euros. That’s what this magnificent building cost. Welcome to the Hôtel de Seignelay.
This isn’t just any Parisian hôtel particulier. It’s a piece of history. Built around 1713 by the renowned architect Germain Boffrand it boasts a fascinating past. Boffrand himself initially built several homes on the land. The Hôtel de Seignelay one of them is located on rue de Lille. Its garden even reached the Seine. Its stunning facade with mascarons is a testament to its grandeur.
The Hôtel de Seignelay’s name comes from its owner. The Comte Charles Léonor Colbert de Seignelay. He was the grandson of Louis XIV’s powerful minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert. Imagine the lavish parties that must have graced these walls. The hotel’s interiors were partially modified by Pierre Mouret. The result was a stunning example of late Rococo style. A style that’s known for its elegance and lavish curves.
For centuries the Hôtel de Seignelay changed hands. The Duc de Charost known for his generosity owned it. He was even imprisoned during the Reign of Terror. Yet he survived. He later became mayor of the 10th arrondissement. Sadly he died of smallpox. The Hôtel de Seignelay passed through several aristocratic families. In 1842 it changed owners again. It was exchanged for another hôtel on rue Saint Guillaume. The new owner the De Nicolaï family held it for almost a century.
In 1938 a significant shift occurred. The German embassy purchased it. They wanted to expand their existing premises. It was confiscated by the French state in 1944. It then became home to various ministries and secretariats of state. From the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises it held many important governmental functions.
In 2019 after a period of being for rent it was bought again. It cost 61 million euros. It was purchased by Pierre Kosciusko-Morizet and Pierre Krings. They planned to transform it into a hub for entrepreneurs. Unfortunately a devastating fire ravaged the Hôtel de Seignelay in 2022. Though the Louis XVI boudoir survived the Rococo salon was destroyed. The restoration is underway. It will aim to restore the building to its former glory. This incredible structure continues to captivate. It is a remarkable testament to Paris’s enduring history and architectural heritage. Its story lives on.