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Origin and history

The Batailhe de Francès hotel, also known as Hotel d'Affry, is a former mansion built in early 18th century Paris. Located in 1 Place Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement, it was built between 1718 and 1723 by the architect Armand-Claude Mollet for Pierre Perrin, secretary of King Louis XIV. Its façade, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, is part of the architectural uniformity of Place Vendôme, an urban project emblematic of the reign of Louis XIV.

In 1736, the hotel was acquired by Jean Batailhe de Francès, Receiver General for Finance, who gave him his name. Later, between 1787 and 1793, he was rented by Louis Auguste Augustine d'Affry, general of the Swiss Guards. In 1788, the building also hosted the administration of the estates, led by Gigot de Gerville. These successive occupations reflect its prestige and importance in the social and administrative life of the Old Regime.

In the 19th century, the hotel changed its vocation. In 1815, the restaurateur Jean-Marc Massinot rented him to set up his business there, before acquiring him in 1827. He expanded the property by buying 358 rue Saint-Honoré, merging the two buildings. Between 1842 and 1843, the floors even house the first embassy of the Republic of Texas, whose inscription engraved near the entrance still bears witness to today.

In 1858, the hotel was transformed into a luxury hotel, the Vendôme hotel. This conversion leads to architectural changes, such as the creation of an entresol and a terrace, but also the disappearance of many original decorations. Since 1930, its facades and roofs have been classified as historical monuments. Today it belongs to the Chopard watch brand, which has installed a shop there.

The Bataille de Francès hotel thus illustrates the transformations of Parisian private hotels from aristocratic residences to commercial and hotel uses. Its history reflects the social, political and economic developments of Paris from the 18th century to the present.

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