“Ever heard of musical streets?” Well, Rue Victor Haussonville in Paris might not literally sing, but it echoes with stories of power, ambition, and art. Today, we stand before the Hôtel de Broglie-Haussonville. This building is not just bricks and mortar. It is a silent witness to centuries of Parisian life.
Often confused with another Hôtel de Broglie on Rue de Varenne, this one is older. The Hôtel de Broglie-Haussonville has seen many faces. Its story began long ago in 1613. Robert Mauqueron a gardener bought the land. He and his wife Barbe Cottin built the first house here. Over the years the property changed hands several times.
Fast forward to the early 1700s. The Broglie family, a name synonymous with French aristocracy, enters the scene. Charles-Guillaume de Broglie leased the house in 1694. He made improvements. His brother Achille de Broglie purchased it in 1720. Between 1720 and 1726, the house was rebuilt into the Hôtel de Broglie.
In 1810, Jean-Nicolas Corvisart bought the Hôtel de Broglie-Haussonville. He was a famous doctor. More importantly, he was Napoleon Bonaparte’s personal physician. Corvisart made significant renovations. He also beautified the gardens. Imagine Empress Marie-Louise visiting him here while pregnant with the future King of Rome.
The Hôtel de Broglie-Haussonville changed hands again in 1818. Jeanne-Marie-Thérèse Falcoz de La Blache Comtesse d’Haussonville purchased it. The d’Haussonville family transformed the building. Joseph d’Haussonville and his wife Louise-Albertine de Broglie hired architect Hippolyte Destailleur. He remodeled it extensively in the mid-19th century. The interiors became a showcase of Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Louise-Albertine de Broglie was a brilliant woman. Dominique Ingres painted her portrait. This painting is now a celebrated piece in New York’s Frick Collection.
Later, in 1882, the Marquis de Nicolay acquired the Hôtel de Broglie-Haussonville. He made significant changes. These included adding an east wing. The Nicolay family lavishly decorated the interiors. They filled it with valuable tapestries and coveted paintings.
In 1921, a real estate company purchased the Hôtel de Broglie-Haussonville. It became office spaces. Additional office buildings were added to the grounds. The French State eventually acquired the property. Since then, it has housed various government offices. These included the Ministry for Women’s Rights.
Since 2017, the National Assembly owns the Hôtel de Broglie-Haussonville. It provides offices for 130 members of parliament and their staff.
Look closely at the gate. Notice the rocaille style. In the courtyard, the left wing shows arched windows with sculpted keystones. These architectural details whisper tales of the past. They are echoes of the Hôtel de Broglie-Haussonville’s rich history. The Hôtel de Broglie-Haussonville stands today. It is a blend of different eras. It serves a new purpose while retaining echoes of its past. It is a place where political decisions are made. It is also a monument to the families who once called it home.