Marvel at the Hôtel de Chalon-Luxembourg. It stands as a testament to Parisian history. This hôtel particulier, at 26 rue Geoffroy-l’Asnier, whispers tales of nobles, artists, and even a wine merchant.
Let’s delve into its story. Construction began around 1625. Guillaume Perrochel, a master of the King’s household, commissioned it. The architect remains unknown. The design features pink brick, white stone, and a slate roof. This is typical of the Louis XIII style.
Interestingly, the Hôtel de Chalon-Luxembourg gets its name from later residents. A family of merchants from Rouen, the Chalons, rented the space. Later, Marie Amelot de Béon-Luxembourg acquired it in 1658. She was the separated wife of Charles de Béon de Luxembourg. She added her name to the building. This is how it became known as Hôtel de Chalon-Luxembourg.
Marie Amelot made significant additions. In 1659, she constructed the grand gateway facing the street. This included surrounding buildings creating a courtyard. She also designed a small garden. Marie lived to the remarkable age of 97. She passed away in 1702.
The Hôtel de Chalon-Luxembourg changed hands several times. In 1779, Claude Pollissard, a wine merchant to the king, bought it. His family owned it until the early 20th century. Later, the painter and caricaturist Charles Huard purchased the hôtel.
The Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio rented the ground floor in 1915. He stayed less than a year. The Huard family eventually abandoned the aging Hôtel de Chalon-Luxembourg. They removed its furnishings and paneling.
In 1948, the architect Jean Walter donated it to the City of Paris. In 1977, it was officially declared a historical monument. Restoration work occurred in 1990. The Commission du Vieux-Paris was housed here for some years.
Unfortunately, the Hôtel de Chalon-Luxembourg fell into disrepair. The main staircase threatened to collapse. It was closed again and underwent rescue efforts. Squatters occupied the building. The City of Paris considered selling it. Eventually, they arranged a 99-year lease. The Mémorial de la Shoah now uses it for administrative offices.
Take a closer look at the street-facing gateway. Notice the lion’s head holding a black marble cartouche. The hotel’s name is inscribed. The facade facing the courtyard features the pink brick and Saint-Leu stone. These echo the style of Place des Vosges. The roof is slate. Dormer windows pierce it. A grand double-revolution staircase stands in the garden behind the hôtel.
Despite its famous residents and prime location, the Hôtel de Chalon-Luxembourg remains somewhat mysterious. The exact origin of the “Chalon” part of its name is debated. Some say the Chalon family never lived there.
The Hôtel de Chalon-Luxembourg is a treasure. It embodies the layers of Parisian history. From royal households to wine merchants, artists, and memorials, its walls have seen it all. The Hôtel de Chalon-Luxembourg stands as a reminder of the rich history within these walls.