A whisper of history clings to its stones. This is the Hôtel de Comans d’Astry.
Before you stands a magnificent example of classic French architecture. Built between 1644 and 1647 it originally stood on the Quai Dauphin on the Île Notre-Dame. The Hôtel de Comans d’Astry boasts a rich past. Its name comes from its original commissioner Thomas de Comans d’Astryl a counselor and master of the King’s household.
For centuries its walls have held secrets. Intriguingly its design has been attributed to several prominent architects. Louis Le Vau Pierre Le Muet and even Jean Androuet du Cerceau have all been suggested. Recent archival research however strongly supports Louis Le Vau as the architect at least from 1645 onwards.
The Hôtel de Comans d’Astry didn’t always bear its current name. It was also known as the Hôtel de Richelieu. This is because it later belonged to Louis François Armand de Vignerot du Plessis the Duke of Richelieu. He was the great-nephew of the famous Cardinal Richelieu. The building’s illustrious residents didn’t stop there. The writer Francis Carco died within its walls in 1958.
Imagine the conversations held within its rooms. Picture the elegant gatherings and the quiet moments of reflection. The Hôtel de Comans d’Astry has been a silent witness to Parisian life for over three centuries.
Its significance is also reflected in its protected status. The entrance gate and courtyard facades were listed as historical monuments in 1926. The grand vestibule and street facade received the same honor in 1999. The Hôtel de Comans d’Astry stands as a testament to architectural excellence and a vibrant piece of Parisian heritage. A place where history and grandeur intertwine. A place that quietly whispers tales of those who once walked its floors. Enjoy its timeless elegance.