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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Hotel des Ambassadeurs de Hollande, also known as Hotel Amelot de Bisseuil, is a 17th-century mansion located in the Marais, in Paris (4th arrondissement). Built between 1657 and 1660 by architect Pierre Cottard for Denis Amelot de Chaillou, it is distinguished by its two internal courtyards, a characteristic inherited from the former hotel in Rieux which occupied the site. The latter was linked to historical figures such as John II of Rieux, companion of Du Guesclin, and Peter of Rieux, who helped Joan of Arc. The assassination of Louis I of Orleans in 1407 near the hotel also marks its medieval history.

The name "Ambassadors of Holland" would come either from its use as a residence for the Dutch ambassador, or from its role during the revocation of the edict of Nantes: the chapel of the hotel, led by chaplain Marcus Guitton, would have housed the Protestant cults tolerated. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1924, the hotel preserves remarkable elements such as the sundials of Father Truchet, allegorical statues, and interior decorations (Psyche Gallery, Flora's salon). Its architecture mixes exterior sobriety and interior richness, with ceilings painted by Michel Corneille theAncien and Joseph-Marie Vien.

In the 18th century, the hotel welcomed illustrious residents: Mademoiselle Necker (future Madame de Staël) was baptized there in 1766 in the Protestant chapel. Beaumarchais rented all the premises there from 1776 to 1787, founded a shipping company there to support the American insurgents and write there The Marriage of Figaro. The building then changed hands, passing through owners such as Paul Brenot (TSF pioneer) and Paul-Louis Weiller, who received personalities such as Nixon or Charlie Chaplin. After major restorations (2014-2016), it is transformed into a luxury hotel in the years 2020.

Partly classified interior includes woodwork, original chimneys, and mythological paintings. The façade on Rue Vieille-du-Temple features a bas-relief by Thomas Regnaudin (1660) representing the Renommées, while the main courtyard exhibits sundials restored in 2016. The larger second courtyard is decorated with statues symbolizing virtues. Despite changes in the 18th century (such as the removal of the grand staircase by Louis Le Tellier), the hotel remains an emblematic example of Parisian classical architecture, combining political, religious and artistic history.

In 2010, the hotel was purchased for 38 million euros by Acanthe Développement and sold in 2017 to a Belgian investor for 69 million euros. The conversion work into a palace, including the restoration of decors (sorry, paintings) and the addition of luxurious suites, ended around 2022. This project is part of a development of the heritage of the Marais, a preserved historical district. The hotel thus illustrates the changes of Parisian private hotels, moving from aristocratic residences to modern uses (foundations, tourism), while preserving their architectural heritage.

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