Considering what stories old walls could tell, what tales would the Hôtel Botterel de Quintin whisper if it could speak? The Hôtel Botterel de Quintin stands here a testament to Parisian elegance. It is located at 44 rue des Petites-Ecuries. This building whispers stories of late 18th-century Paris.
Let’s delve into the history of this remarkable place. The Hôtel Botterel de Quintin was constructed in the late 1700s. Later around 1860 a commercial building was added. The renowned architect François-Victor Pérard de Montreuil designed it. He was a student of Pierre-Louis Moreau-Desproux and Etienne-Louis Boullée.
Pérard de Montreuil created one of his most charming works here. The Hôtel Botterel de Quintin showcases neoclassical architecture. Its facades display simplicity and precision. The stone is dressed with rustication. The window consoles on the first floor resemble pine cones. A spiral frieze adorns the cornice. The small portico features Tuscan columns. These details add to the building’s elegance.
Originally, the Hôtel Botterel de Quintin was built for M. de Fréval. Charles André de La Corée, an intendant of Bourgogne, later acquired its usufruct. In 1785, the Comte René Christian Jérôme de Botterel-Quintin bought the usufruct. He was a lieutenant of the Gardes-Françaises. He was also a collector and patron of the arts. The count is credited with the interior enhancements. The hotel still bears his name today.
After the count’s death in 1819, the Duchesse Guy d’Aumont occupied the Hôtel Botterel de Quintin for a time. In 1824, M. Gardie, an entrepreneur, purchased it. Around 1835, M. Paravey acquired it. By the late 19th century, it transitioned from a residence to commercial use. During this period some of the interior decorations were sold off.
Inside the Hôtel Botterel de Quintin, exceptional decor once dazzled visitors. Historians believe François Bélanger might have worked on it. The oval dining room features a glazed cupola. Twelve Doric half-columns and painted panels decorate it. A mythological fresco on the ceiling might be the work of Pierre-Paul Prud’Hon. There was also a paneled salon and an antechamber on the ground floor. The staircase was adorned with Pompeian-style paintings.
Today, a company occupies the Hôtel Botterel de Quintin. Visits inside are not permitted. However, the courtyard remains open to the public on weekdays. Feel free to step inside and admire the architecture.
In 1993, the building gained recognition as a historic monument. Its facades, roofs, and ground were listed. The Hôtel Botterel de Quintin stands as a reminder of Paris’s rich architectural past. It exemplifies late 18th-century design. Its history intertwines with notable figures and artistic endeavors.
As you leave the Hôtel Botterel de Quintin, remember its story. Remember the elegance of its design. Reflect on the people who once called it home. This building remains a treasure in the heart of Paris. It is a silent witness to the passage of time.