What if these walls could talk? They would tell tales of opera singers and secret rendezvous at the Hôtel de Verrières. This hôtel particulier stands at 43-47 rue d’Auteuil. It whispers stories of 18th-century Paris.
Originally named Hôtel Antier, it was built in 1715. This was in the village of Auteuil before it joined Paris. Marie Antier, a celebrated opera singer, commissioned it. The Hôtel de Verrières became known as the most beautiful property in the village.
Imagine the lavish parties hosted here. The courtyard was filled with music. The air was thick with perfume. Courtiers mingled with artists. Marie Antier married a wealthy tax inspector in 1726. Her home became the place to be. In 1744 she threw a memorable party. It celebrated the recovery of King Louis XV. Marie was known for having many lovers. She juggled the Prince de Carignan and a tax collector.
In 1752, the Hôtel de Verrières changed hands. Two sisters acquired it. Marie and Geneviève Rainteau were nicknamed “Beauty and the Beast”. Marie was known as Rainteau de Verrières. She also collected male admirers. One of them was the Maréchal de Saxe. In 1748, they had a daughter named Marie-Aurore. Marie-Aurore later became the mother of George Sand.
Marie Rainteau then had an affair with the Marquis Louis de La Live d’Épinay. He gifted her a townhouse and the Hôtel Antier. The sisters hosted lavish parties. They even built a 400-seat theater. They performed plays that were banned in the city.
The Hôtel de Verrières changed owners multiple times. From 1784 to 1785 John Adams lived here. He was a representative of the United States in France. His son John Quincy Adams also resided here. Both would later become Presidents of the United States.
Over the years, the Hôtel de Verrières has undergone changes. Only the facade facing the park remains from the original construction. A cartouche depicts a young woman. It may be Marie Antier.
In 1954, Eugène de Rothschild sold the Hôtel de Verrières. The Compagnie Française des Pétroles bought it. They built modern buildings nearby. This altered the park. Since 1993, the CNRS has been headquartered here. The entrance is at 3 rue Michel Ange.
The Hôtel de Verrières stands as a reminder. It evokes an era of opera stars. It echoes with secret romances and grand parties. It is a unique piece of Parisian history.