Purchase of the house by François Colas 1546 (≈ 1546)
Plot including the future pavilion.
vers 1552
Construction of the pavilion
Construction of the pavilion vers 1552 (≈ 1552)
Alloted to Androuet-Ducerceau.
1889
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 1889 (≈ 1889)
Official flag protection.
1940
Orléans bombings
Orléans bombings 1940 (≈ 1940)
Pavilion spared among the destructions.
1965
Restoration of the pavilion
Restoration of the pavilion 1965 (≈ 1965)
Linked to the creation of Place de Gaulle.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
François Colas, seigneur des Francs - Flag sponsor
Acquire the house in 1546.
Jacques Androuet-Ducerceau - Suspected architect
Attributed by local tradition.
Origin and history
The Colas des Francs pavilion, located in Orléans in the Loiret, was built around 1552 in the background of a house acquired in 1546 by François Colas, seigneur of the Francs. Built into a set of buildings around a courtyard, it was adjacent to Renard Gate, the western entrance to the city. This pavilion, probably designed to house the archives and treasure of its sponsor, is one of the few buildings in the neighbourhood that escaped the 1940 bombings. Its architecture, attributed to Jacques Androuet-Ducerceau, is distinguished by a bossy base, pavilion attices, and facades decorated with pilasters with ionic and Corinthian capitals.
The ground floor, tiled and vaulted with stone, has carved panels, while the floor takes over this plaster decor. The monument, classified in 1889, was restored in 1965 when the Place de Gaulle was built. Its three main facades, pierced with curved bays, reflect the influence of the French Renaissance. Today, 5 Place de Gaulle (formerly rue du Tabour), it bears witness to the Orléan architectural heritage and its turbulent history.
The accuracy of its location is considered excellent (note 9/10), and its protected element, the pavilion itself (Cadastre BC 182), attests to its historical value. Although the information on its current access (visits, rental) is not specified, its classification and restoration make it a symbol of the resilience of the Orléan heritage.
