Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The present monument, known as Collège Pierre-Jean-de-Béranger and contiguous building, has its origins in a mansion built in the early eighteenth century. In 1719, Jean Pujol, adviser to the Roy, acquired with Abraham Peyrenc and Gabriel Dezègre a plot of land of 1253 toises, formerly owned by Jean Beausire (acquired in 1695 by the religious of the Temple). Pujol built around 1720 a large house with courtyard, garden and outbuildings, marking the beginning of his architectural and social history.

The hotel changed hands several times between the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie of Ancien Régime: bought in 1736 by Charles Michel de Roissy (advisor secretary of the Roy), then in 1753 by Solomon of the Hague of Fosses (also adviser), before passing in 1776 to Charles Marin of the Hague, general farmer. When he died in 1790, his son Philippe-Antoine de la Haye inherited it. The building, sold several times in the 19th century, was finally acquired by the City of Paris in 1899 and transformed into a school. Its present state remains close to its 1776 description, with remarkable elements such as the monumental door, the staircase, or vaulted cellars.

The place is also marked by the presence of poet Pierre-Jean de Béranger, who lived there for the last three years and died there in 1857. A room on the first floor, decorated with 18th-century woodwork, is traditionally identified as its bedroom. The hotel also preserves decorative remains (cornish, bas-relief of Bacchus) and structures (caves, staircase) protected since 1926 and 1987 under the title of historical monuments.

Architecturally, the building illustrates the style of Parisian mansions of the early eighteenth century, with a sober facade, a courtyard of honour, and richly decorated interiors. The modifications were minimal, preserving elements such as the bas-relief of Bacchus (entrance to the cellars) or the wrought iron ramp of the staircase. The official protection also concerns the gate, the roofs, and the court floor, reflecting its heritage importance.

The location of the monument, 5-5bis rue Béranger and 2 rue de la Corderie, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, makes it a witness to the urbanization and social transformations of the Marais. From aristocratic residence to public institution, he embodies the changes in the capital between the Ancient Regime and the contemporary era.

External links