Hôtel d'Ecquevilly in Paris, also known as Hôtel du Grand Veneur

An exploration of the fascinating past of the Hôtel d'Ecquevilly, also known as the Hôtel du Grand Veneur, located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, France.

Where is the Hôtel d'Ecquevilly and how do I get there?

The Hôtel d'Ecquevilly is located at 60 rue de Turenne, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. Part of its facade, decorated with bas-reliefs inspired by hunting, can also be seen from rue du Grand-Veneur.

What is the history of this mansion?

The Hôtel d'Ecquevilly, built in 1637, was acquired in 1646 by Claude de Guénégaud. Claude de Guénégaud extended his garden as far as Charles V's enceinte, around the bastion de l'Ardoise and the jardin des Arquebusiers, removing part of the rue Saint-Pierre that linked the rue Saint-Claude to the rue Saint-Gilles. A series of transformations and embellishments were carried out under the ownership of Chancellor Louis Boucherat, who owned the neighboring Hôtel de Hesse. The garden was laid out according to plans by Le Nôtre.

Boucherat's daughter, Madame de Harlay, sold part of the garden in 1708, leading to the creation of Rue de Harlay, now known as Rue des Arquebusiers.

In 1733, the hotel was bought by Vincent Hennequin, Marquis d'Ecquevilly, who was Captain General of the King's venry and was responsible for organizing hunting with hounds. He had a cartouche added to the pediment of the hotel entrance, bearing the new name of the establishment and the date of the alterations, i.e. 1734.

During the French Revolution, the hotel was confiscated. In 1795, it was acquired by Count Joseph Seurrat de Guilleville, a wealthy industrialist and former mayor of Orléans. On his death in 1823, the hotel was sold to his son-in-law, Alexandre Colbert, Marquis de Chabannais. The Franciscan Ladies of Saint Elizabeth occupied the hotel until 1901.

What happened after the departure of the Franciscan Sisters?

After the departure of the Franciscan ladies in 1901, the hotel had several other lives. It became the central purchasing and depot for Société Anonyme des Magasins Réunis, a company founded by Eugène Corbin. Later, it served as a showroom for Jacob Delafon, a bathroom manufacturer, until 2007.

What is the current status of the Hôtel d'Ecquevilly?

In 2014, local gallery owner Emmanuel Perrotin took over the Hôtel d'Ecquevilly. The building is now a contemporary art venue that hosts exhibitions, perpetuating its role as a cultural and historical landmark.

Is the Hôtel d'Ecquevilly listed as a historic monument?

Yes, the Hôtel d'Ecquevilly has been listed as a historic monument since March 17, 1927, in recognition of its architectural and historical importance.

The Hôtel d'Ecquevilly, once a witness to the splendors of French nobility and industrialization, continues to enchant visitors today, while remaining a precious vestige of Parisian history.