Built in 1758 the Hôtel de Varey stands proudly. It’s located at 2 rue Auguste Comte. It’s a corner building next to Place Bellecour. This magnificent building was commissioned by Jean Dervieu du Villars de Varey. He was a counselor at the Court of the Mint.
The Hôtel de Varey gets its name from the Varey seigneury in Bugey. Jean Dervieu purchased this seigneury in 1753. He paid 206000 livres for it. This acquisition marked his ascent into the nobility. His family was originally from Lyon’s bourgeois class. His rise through the ranks of the Court of the Mint is particularly noteworthy.
The Court of the Mint was a powerful institution established by Louis XIV. It existed from 1704 until 1771. Its jurisdiction stretched from Auvergne to Bayonne. It oversaw all matters concerning currency and precious metals. It also regulated the trades of gold and silver. An edict of 1719 granted its officers nobility. This was contingent on the length of their service. The Lyon branch was therefore a path to nobility. Jean Dervieu’s position solidified his status.
The Hôtel de Varey is a listed historical monument. It boasts beautiful ironwork. Many elements are protected. This includes its facades and roofs. Also included is its staircase. The staircase has a wrought-iron railing. Its grand salon on the ground floor retains its original decor. The Hôtel de Varey stands as a testament to its owner’s ambition and success. It reflects a period of social mobility in 18th-century France. This building continues to charm visitors with its elegance and history.