Picture this. Two identical Parisian hôtels. Built side by side in 1647. They were the work of François de Montescot. He was the intendant of the généralité of Paris. One hôtel was for his own use. The other was for rent. This is the story of Allée de Villeflix one of these remarkable buildings.
Allée de Villeflix at 72 rue des Archives. It shares a fascinating history with its twin. The Hôtel de Montescot. Originally designed as a single architectural concept. They remained virtually identical until 1690. A wall then separated them. Their fates diverged. Their portals and windows changed. During the 19th century both hotels served commerce and industry. An ill-conceived workshop marred the courtyard of Allée de Villeflix. A second story addition to 72 rue des Archives appeared in the 18th century. This was not driven by commercial needs. It disrupted the building’s original balance. The addition perhaps inspired a similar. Unwanted addition to the France Telecom building opposite.
Allée de Villeflix today houses tertiary economic activities. Its neighbor Hôtel de Montescot is undergoing a major renovation. Creating 1800 square meters of office space and 20 parking spaces. This renovation is significant. It will create roughly one hundred jobs. The restaurant at 74 rue des Archives benefits from this. It changed its name from Ivory to Piaf. It adapted its menu for the new office workers. Serving quick affordable refined cuisine using fresh market produce.
Allée de Villeflix boasts a history rich in detail. The building’s portal shows bas-reliefs of Justice and Aesculapius. The inner courtyard once held an 18th century fountain. It depicted a man and a woman around an urn. The building’s past lives on in its stone. Its subtle details whisper tales of Parisian life spanning centuries. Allée de Villeflix stands proudly. A silent testament to Paris’s enduring charm. A building that blends history and modernity. Its story deserves to be told. And remembered.