Contemplate this: a tapestry woven from threads of generosity and history. That tapestry is the Hospice Saint-Michel. This monument stands in Paris’s 12th arrondissement. It borders Saint-Mandé. Today we’ll unravel the story of this special place.
The Hospice Saint-Michel began with Michel-Jacques Boulard. He was Napoleon I’s upholsterer. Boulard bequeathed a large sum in his will. It was dated 1825. He wanted an hospice built for twelve poor people. One from each arrondissement of Paris. François-Hippolyte Destailleur was chosen as architect.
The hospice opened its doors in 1830. Twelve septuagenarians found a home here. It was a place of refuge in their twilight years.
Look at the building’s architecture. The central building holds a chapel. Inside rests the bust and heart of Michel-Jacques Boulard. Two wings flank the central structure. They once housed the refectory, library, and kitchen. Upstairs, a long gallery led to the residents’ rooms.
Above the entrance, a pediment declares: “Hospice for elderly men, founded and maintained in perpetuity by the late Michel Jacques Boulard, former merchant in Paris.”
The facades and garden of the Hospice Saint-Michel earned historical monument status in 1929. Since 1996, the SAMU social has been located here. It continues the hospice’s legacy of care.
The founder, Michel-Jacques Boulard, had a special request. Every December 1st, his birthday, the residents should receive roasted or fricasseed poultry. A delicious tradition born from a kind heart.
During the European Heritage Days, the Samusocial de Paris exceptionally opens the doors of the Hospice Saint-Michel to the public. This provides a unique opportunity. It allows visitors to explore its historic site. They can discover the missions carried out by the Samusocial de Paris agents.
Imagine the stories held within these walls. The Hospice Saint-Michel has witnessed countless lives. It has provided comfort and care for generations. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of compassion in the heart of Paris. The Hospice Saint-Michel stands as a testament to one man’s generosity. It is a haven for those in need.