Is it possible for a building to whisper tales of revolution and romance? The Allée de Bourrienne certainly can. It is a place where history is not just remembered. It is lived. Let’s step into the world of the Hôtel de Bourrienne. It is a unique Parisian symbol.
Built in 1787, the Hôtel de Bourrienne stands in the 10th arrondissement. Justine Segard, also known as Madame de Bazin de Dampierre, commissioned it. Construction finished in 1793. The area of Faubourg Poissonnière was developing at that time.
The Allée de Bourrienne has witnessed dramatic changes. The hotel passed through several hands. In 1792, it came into the possession of the Lormier-Lagrave couple. Their daughter Fortunée married Antoine Hamelin. He was a supplier to the armies. The parents gifted the hotel to their daughter. Fortunée likely had François-Joseph Bélanger decorate it.
Fortunée Hamelin became a prominent figure during the Directoire and Consulate periods. She hosted a renowned salon at the Hôtel under the name “la Merveilleuse Madame Hamelin”. Originally from Saint-Domingue, she befriended Joséphine de Beauharnais. Napoleon Bonaparte and Madame Tallien also attended her social gatherings. It was a hub of political and cultural events.
In 1798, Louis Prévost bought the Hôtel. He then sold it to Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne. Bourrienne was Napoleon’s private secretary and friend. He gave the hotel its name. Bourrienne had significant transformations made by architect Étienne-Chérubin Leconte. Despite political ups and downs, Bourrienne had a successful career during the Restoration. Until 1824, the Hôtel’s salons were among the most brilliant in Paris. His wife animated these gatherings. The revolution of 1830 led to the loss of his fortune. The Hôtel had been sold several times in the meantime.
The Allée de Bourrienne is not just about grand parties and political intrigue. In 1886, Charles Tuleu acquired the Hôtel from Lucien Charles Alexandre de Berny. Tuleu ran a printing type foundry. He moved his workshops into the garden. The Tuleu family owned the Hôtel until 2015.
In July 2015, entrepreneur Charles Beigbeder purchased it. He intended to use it as the headquarters for his investment activities. The Hôtel underwent a complete restoration. Today, the Hôtel de Bourrienne is set back from the street. Access is through a gate in the buildings on Rue de Hauteville. A small garden lies behind the hotel. Its Directoire-style decor and furniture remain remarkable. Receptions are held here. Visits are available by appointment.
Le Philtre team now occupies the Allée de Bourrienne. They welcome customers and partners in this exceptional setting. The Hôtel de Bourrienne offers a refined experience. It is a historic site built in the 18th century. It attracts visitors eager to explore its rich history.
The Hôtel de Bourrienne stands as a testament to Parisian history. It is a place where the past and present intertwine. Its walls echo with stories of revolution. The Hôtel whispers secrets of a bygone era. It remains a symbol of French sophistication.