Envision yourself transported to the 17th century. Right here stood not just a building but a testament to Lyon’s rich history. We are standing in front of the H\u00f4tel de l’Europe.
Originally known as H\u00f4tel Senozan, this edifice has witnessed centuries of change. Its story began in 1653. Girard Desargues, a Lyonnais architect also known for his contribution to the Lyon City Hall, designed it. Pierre Perrachon de Saint-Maurice a rich man commissioned it.
Perrachon sought a grand residence near Place Bellecour. The location was once occupied by old customs buildings. Perrachon’s new home was completed shortly after his marriage. He married Marie Urre d’Aiguebonne from a noble family.
However, Perrachon’s priorities soon shifted. He sold off parts of his extensive garden to construct six new houses. These houses correspond to numbers 1 to 5 Place Bellecour and number 3 Rue Louis-le Grand now Rue Bellecour.
The H\u00f4tel de l’Europe then passed through several hands. Alexandre-Louis Perrachon inherited it in 1688. He then sold it to Humbert Piarron de Chamousset. In 1707, it became the property of the Olivier de Senozan family.
Under the Senozans, the H\u00f4tel de l’Europe underwent a lavish transformation. Daniel Sarrabat decorated the interiors around 1721. Sarrabat adorned the salons with mythological scenes like the Triumph of Hercules. He also created the cabinets of Hercules and Minerva.
Interestingly, not all of Sarrabat’s works remained at the H\u00f4tel de l’Europe. Several canvases found their way to the Chateau de Pizay. However, five pieces from the Hercules cycle returned during a 1995 restoration.
Later, Christophe-Francois Nicolau de Montribloud acquired the H\u00f4tel de l’Europe. He was known for his extensive collections of scientific objects and art.
The H\u00f4tel de l’Europe transitioned from a private residence to a luxurious hotel after the French Revolution. It earned the nickname “Palace of the Greats of this World”.
Many prominent figures stayed here. Talleyrand, King Charles IV of Spain and Napoleon himself were among the guests at the H\u00f4tel de l’Europe.
Jean Lyons in his 1838 “Guide du Voyageur a Lyon” praised the H\u00f4tel de l’Europe. He described it as the most renowned hotel. He highlighted its popularity among distinguished foreigners.
The hotel’s prominence gradually declined in the early 20th century. After failed attempts to revive it, the H\u00f4tel de l’Europe closed.
Throughout the 19th century, the H\u00f4tel de l’Europe changed hands several times. Jean-Pierre Lempereur, a cloth merchant, acquired it in 1838. He viewed it as a real estate investment.
Significant architectural modifications occurred over time. The facade was raised in 1853. The entrance faced the street with a courtyard inside.
Today, the H\u00f4tel de l’Europe is a classified historical monument. Restoration efforts have aimed to preserve its 17th-century architecture. The building now houses apartments offices and shops.
In 1926, the Union des Syndicats Agricoles du Sud-Est acquired the H\u00f4tel de l’Europe. The president chose the Salon d’Hercule as his office. Later, it served as a regional office for the Corporation Paysanne under the Vichy regime.
The H\u00f4tel de l’Europe stands as a reminder of Lyon’s past. Its walls hold stories of nobles artists and historical figures. It has played many roles throughout history. From private residence to luxury hotel. From syndical headquarters to modern mixed-use building. It remains a landmark in Lyon’s urban landscape.