Initial construction XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
First building on the location of the door of Heuchin.
XVIIIe siècle
Expansions and stables
Expansions and stables XVIIIe siècle (≈ 1850)
Add stables and mention *« Varennes – To the court of France"*.
début des années 1900
Architectural extension
Architectural extension début des années 1900 (≈ 1900)
Building adjacent to the main body.
23 avril 1947
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 23 avril 1947 (≈ 1947)
Partial protection (sides and roofs).
2014
Final closure
Final closure 2014 (≈ 2014)
End of hostel activity.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
2026 (prévu)
Start of conversion work
Start of conversion work 2026 (prévu) (≈ 2026)
Conversion into apartments.
Heritage classified
Fronts and roofs on street and courtyard: inscription by decree of 23 April 1947
Key figures
Combertigue de Varennes - Owner in the 18th century
Family associated with registration *« Varennes – To the court of France"*.
David Charles Manners - Descendant of the owners
British author linked to four generations of maternal ancestors.
Origin and history
The Hôtel de France, located at 58 rue Pierre-Ledent in Montreuil-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais), is an iconic 17th and 18th century building. Originally, he occupied the presumed location of the former Heuchin Gate, a strategic point of the city. Built as a post office relay under the name of the Roy's relay, it was enlarged in the 18th century with stables, then a building joined in the early 1900s. Its portal still bears the inscription « Varennes – At the court of France", testifying to its connection with Combertigue de Varennes, owner in the 18th century.
The monument experienced a hotel vocation as soon as it was transformed into an inn, an activity that it kept until its closure in 2014. Since then, it has been partially listed as historical monuments (facades and roofs) by order of 23 April 1947. Owned by four generations of ancestors of the British author David Charles Manners, it is soon to be converted into apartments, with a construction site planned from 2026.
Its history reflects the transformation of post buildings into reception facilities, typical of royal roads under the Old Regime. The mention "Cour de France" suggests a prestige linked to the monarchy, while its location on a major artery (formerly Grande-Rue) underscores its role in regional exchanges. Today, it embodies the architectural and social heritage of Montreuil-sur-Mer, between postal memory and family heritage.
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