Right here, in the heart of Paris’s 10th arrondissement, stands a piece of history that whispers tales of grandeur and a pivotal moment in the city’s past. The H\u00f4tel de Raguse, a once elegant private mansion, now stands as a testament to a time of upheaval and change.
Built in 1779, the H\u00f4tel de Raguse has witnessed centuries of Parisian life. Originally constructed for the wealthy Gouffier family, it was later purchased by the Th\u00e9lusson brothers, who commissioned the architect Claude Jean-Baptiste Jallier de Savault to transform the building. The H\u00f4tel de Raguse became a symbol of aristocratic wealth and refined taste, hosting grand gatherings and lavish parties.
But it was during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars that the H\u00f4tel de Raguse gained its most significant historical footnote. In 1795, following the invasion of Paris by Austrian, Prussian, and Russian forces, a crucial event took place within its walls. The capitulation of Paris was signed within its walls, sealing the fate of the French capital and ending the war. The act was signed by the French general Auguste-Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric-Louis Viesse de Marmont, Duke of Raguse, who had married the daughter of the famous banker Jean-Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Perregaux, the previous owner of the H\u00f4tel de Raguse.
Over the following decades, the H\u00f4tel de Raguse changed hands several times. In the late 19th century, it was purchased by the Vallauris ceramics factory, which used it for its business offices. Despite being altered and renovated over the years, the grand H\u00f4tel de Raguse managed to retain some of its original charm. The chimney of the grand salon and the decorations of the second salon, still reflecting the elegance of the First Empire period, were declared historical monuments in 1927.
Today, the H\u00f4tel de Raguse stands as a reminder of Paris’s rich history, a silent witness to the grandeur of past eras and the crucial events that shaped the city. Walk by its facade and picture the momentous events that unfolded within these walls, a testament to the ever-changing tapestry of Parisian life.