Did you notice the subtle elegance of the facade before you? This is the H\u00f4tel de Noirmoutiers. It stands as a testament to Parisian history. Today we will explore the story of this remarkable building.
The H\u00f4tel de Noirmoutiers, also known as the H\u00f4tel de Sens, is a grand residence. It reflects centuries of French aristocracy and power. Situated at 138, rue de Grenelle, its story began in the early 18th century.
Imagine Paris in 1670. Real estate speculation transformed the Faubourg Saint-Germain. Claude Mollet, a royal garden designer, purchased land in 1683. He built a grand house. After Mollet’s death, his heirs sold the land to Antoine Fran\u00e7ois de La Tr\u00e9moille. He was the Duke of Noirmoutier.
Between 1721 and 1724, Jean Courtonne constructed this h\u00f4tel for the Duke. Courtonne also designed the H\u00f4tel Matignon. Vaugirard stone formed the foundations. Arcueil stone was used for the ground floor. Saint-Leu stone was used for the facades.
Interestingly the Duke of Noirmoutier was blind. Saint-Simon wrote about this. Despite being blind and of limited means he created a charming house. He dictated its design and chose its decorations. He even selected fabrics by touch.
After the Duke and his wife died in 1733, the h\u00f4tel passed to their niece. She was the Marquise de Matignon. She sold it to Mademoiselle de Sens in 1734. This explains why it is sometimes called H\u00f4tel de Sens. Mademoiselle de Sens expanded the property. She also renovated the interior.
Later, the Prince de Cond\u00e9 rented it to ambassadors. The Count of Cantillana died here in 1768. Later, the Count de Fuent\u00e8s occupied it until 1770.
During the Revolution, the h\u00f4tel became national property. A wine merchant acquired it in a lottery. Later, a merchant from Gand purchased it.
In 1814, the state acquired the H\u00f4tel de Noirmoutiers. It housed the guards of the Count d’Artois. Then it became the School of the General Staff in 1825. The General Staff remained until 1919.
Around 1853, architect Andr\u00e9 Reni\u00e9 added to the building. He raised the height of the wings on each side.
In 1919, the H\u00f4tel de Noirmoutiers became home to Marshal Foch. He lived here until his death in 1929. His widow remained until 1950.
Since 1970, the H\u00f4tel de Noirmoutiers has served as the residence. It houses the Pr\u00e9fet of Paris and the \u00cele-de-France region.
Inside, the grand dining room features wooden panels. These panels depict fables of La Fontaine. Mademoiselle de Sens installed these. The carvings show scenes from stories like “The Cock and the Fox.”
The H\u00f4tel de Noirmoutiers stands as a symbol of French history. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change. From dukes and princesses to marshals and pr\u00e9fets, it remains a place of power and prestige. Take a moment to appreciate the rich history held within this magnificent building.