Perhaps Louis XIII himself once stood where we are now. The H\u00f4tel de Chaulnes stands before us a testament to Parisian history. It whispers tales of royalty, wealth and even dramatic artistry.
This magnificent building is located on the Place des Vosges. It is also known as H\u00f4tel Descures or H\u00f4tel Nicolay-Goussainville. This area is in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. The H\u00f4tel de Chaulnes history began in the early 17th century. Pierre Fougeu d’Escures a royal advisor built it.
Imagine the year 1612. Louis XIII is betrothed to Anne d’Autriche. The royal court gathers here at the H\u00f4tel de Chaulnes. They watch a grand carrousel. Tribunes are set against the facade.
In 1644 Honor\u00e9 d’Albert duc de Chaulnes acquired the H\u00f4tel de Chaulnes. His marriage to Charlotte d’Ailly made him one of France’s richest men. The Duke expanded the property. He added a left wing and new interior decor. A small chapel was also added. Its ceiling featured the initials CD. This stood for Chaulnes and d’Ailly.
Later in 1676 his son commissioned Jules Hardouin-Mansart to design the right wing. Mansart created a classical style addition. It featured a triangular fronton. A stone statue of Louis XIV graced the courtyard. This addition significantly enhanced the H\u00f4tel de Chaulnes.
Skipping ahead to 1701 Jean Aymar de Nicola\u00eff acquired the H\u00f4tel de Chaulnes. He was the Marquis de Goussainville. The Nicola\u00eff family owned it until 1822.
Then in 1857 the renowned tragedienne Rachel rented an apartment here. However she died at only 37 years old in 1858. The H\u00f4tel de Chaulnes became associated with her life.
Since 1967 the Acad\u00e9mie d’architecture has occupied the first floor. They restored it. They still use it today.
Inside parts of the original decor remain at the H\u00f4tel de Chaulnes. The grand staircase still stands even without its original 17th-century railing. The former Duchess de Chaulnes’ chamber is now a salon. It features a Louis XIV cornice and 1785 gypseries. The corner salon displays 17th-century over-the-door panels depicting Flora Ceres Autumn and the Source.
The facade and roof facing the square have been listed as historical monuments since 1954. Other facades and interior decorations received this designation the same year. In 2022 more of the first floor was also listed. This recognizes the H\u00f4tel de Chaulnes importance.
So as you stand here remember the H\u00f4tel de Chaulnes is more than just a building. It is a stage for French history. It combines royal visits artistic tragedy and architectural evolution.