Hôtel d'Almeras
Where is the Hôtel d'Alméras?
The Hôtel d'Alméras is located at 30, rue des Francs-Bourgeois, in the Marais district of Paris' 4th arrondissement. This historic residence is anchored in the heart of the French capital, bearing witness to the city's rich architectural past.
What is the history of the Hôtel d'Alméras?
The history of the Hôtel d'Alméras dates back to the very early 17th century. The plot of land on which the hotel stands today was purchased in 1598 by Jean de Fourcy. It was subsequently sold in 1600 to Jean de Guéribalde, secretary to the king. Jean de Guéribalde, in turn, sold the property on December 19, 1602 to Jean Alméras, sieur de La Saussaye, who was also audiencier de la chancellerie, in collaboration with his two sons-in-law: Claude Le Roux and Jean Duhamel.
Finally, on January 28, 1611, Madeleine Alméras, widow of Claude Le Roux, sold her share of the plot to her brother Pierre d'Alméras. The latter became the owner of the entire plot in 1625.
The hotel was built between 1611 and 1613 under the direction of architect Louis Métezeau for Pierre d'Alméras, sieur de Saint-Rémy et de La Saussaye, an advisor and finance secretary to King Henri IV. The initial architectural project was entrusted to Métezeau, who drew up the plans for the hotel and signed a contract with master mason Nicolas Jacquet in January 1611. In 1625, Pierre d'Alméras extended the property by acquiring a strip of land where a farmyard was laid out, while enlarging the garden facade with a second pavilion.
Although the hotel has been largely preserved in its original state, with the exception of two notable additions: the grand staircase built around 1655 when the property was sold to Louis Bertauld, President of the Chambre des Comptes, and the ironwork on the porte cochère added in 1723 for Robert Langlois de la Fortelle, the new owner.
Over the centuries, the Hôtel d'Alméras has had a number of notable residents, including Paul Barras, who occupied it from 1814 to 1815, and film director Alain Corneau, who made it his home for almost 40 years at the end of the 20th century.
In the 19th century, like many other private mansions in the Marais district, the Hôtel d'Alméras was occupied by craftsmen, notably a tannery, then a chandlery.
Classified as a historic monument by decree on July 18, 1978, the hotel was restored in 1983. It is currently privately owned and cannot be visited.
What is the architectural style of the Hôtel d'Alméras?
The architecture of the Hôtel d'Alméras is typical of the 17th century. Composed of stone and brick, the building has remained largely intact, offering a remarkable example of the architecture of this period. The Louis XIV-style grand staircase, added in 1655, is a significant architectural feature of the hotel. The ironwork on the porte cochère, created in 1723, is an elegant addition reflecting the artistic taste of the period.
Is the Hôtel d'Alméras open to the public?
No, the Hôtel d'Alméras is currently privately owned and not open to the public. However, its historic façade and rich history contribute to the architectural and cultural beauty of the Marais district of Paris.
Is the Hôtel d'Alméras a listed building?
Yes, the Hôtel d'Alméras was classified as a historic monument in 1978. This status guarantees the preservation of the hotel as a historical and architectural heritage for future generations.
Summary return of the private mansions of the Marais