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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Hotel de Guise is a mansion built in the 17th century in Alençon, in the department of Orne in Normandy. Originally built in 1630 by Fromont de la Bernadière, receiver of the sizes, in 1675 it became the property of Élisabeth-Marguerite d'Orléans, Duchess of Alençon and Guise, granddaughter of Henri IV. This building illustrates the civil architecture of the Louis XIII period and marks the transfer of residence of the Dukes after the destruction of Alençon Castle in 1592.

From 1751, the hotel was transferred by Louis XV to the city to house the intendants of the generality of Alençon, then the prefects of the Orne. Its interior preserves period woodwork, and part of the building, including the main house body and the pavilions, is classified as a historical monument by order of 11 July 1903. Today, it houses the Orne prefecture, continuing its administrative role since the 18th century.

The location of the hotel at 51 Rue Saint-Blaise and its history linked to the Guise family and the royal administration make it a major architectural and political testimony of Normandy. Protected elements include the house corps, a contiguous pavilion and concierge pavilions, reflecting its heritage significance.

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