Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The building of 4 rue Royer-Collard, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is an old rental house built between 1734 and 1735 for the Jacobins of the rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques. This 18th-century building is distinguished by remarkable architectural elements, such as a cochère door decorated with a staple representing the remains of the lion of Nemie, a symbol often associated with strength and mythology. A turret, now extinct, once housed the toilets, while the return of the building to the courtyard retains its original organization.

The square wing houses a large staircase of Louis XV style, characteristic of the period by its volutes and elegance. The bearings, covered with lily and black marble pavements, are illuminated by original small wood windows, which have become rare and precious. These elements, as well as the facades and roofs on street and courtyard, were protected by order of 24 October 2005, highlighting their heritage value. The check-pass and stairwell are also classified, reflecting the historic significance of this site.

The building illustrates the 18th century Parisian civil architecture, marked by functionalism and refinement. Its construction reflects the needs of religious orders, such as Jacobins, who owned real estate to generate rental income. The decorative details, like carved agrafe, recall the influence of ancient and mythological models in the ornamentation of the era, while the preservation of original carpentry offers an exceptional testimony of the craft techniques of the era.

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