Hôtel de Chambon

Hidden in plain sight on Rue du Cherche-Midi stands the Hôtel de Chambon. It has witnessed a fascinating parade of owners and dreams. Built in 1805 by Davia, the entrepreneur behind the Choisy bridge, the Hôtel de Chambon soon found its first prestigious resident. In 1813, Baron Chambon acquired the property. He lived within its walls until 1833, ultimately bequeathing his name to this grand Parisian residence. Later, the hôtel became home to the printer Jean-Baptiste-Victor Lenormand, adding another layer to its rich history. Fast forward to 1994, and a touch of Hollywood glamour arrived at the Hôtel de Chambon. Gérard Depardieu, the acclaimed French actor, purchased the property. He embarked on a decade-long renovation, enlisting the expertise of heritage architect Guillaume Trouvé. The interior design was entrusted to the talented hands of Jacques Garcia and Bernard Quentin. Depardieu finally moved into his revitalized Parisian haven in 2003. The hôtel also served as the headquarters for his production company, DD Productions. In 2012, Depardieu’s decision to relocate to Belgium led him to put the Hôtel de Chambon on the market for a staggering 50 million euros. This opulent residence boasts an impressive 1,800 square meters of living space, featuring 20 rooms, including 10 bedrooms. It also includes luxurious amenities such as an elevator and an indoor swimming pool. Before his departure, Depardieu had ambitious plans to transform the hôtel into a luxury establishment, a dream that ultimately remained unrealized. Despite another attempt to sell the property in 2017, the Hôtel de Chambon remained in Depardieu’s possession. It was once again listed for sale in March 2022. As of early 2024, this historic gem on Rue du Cherche-Midi still awaits a new owner, its story poised to continue with the next chapter yet to be written.