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Origin and history

The Berthelot Hotel, then Jean Briçonnet, is a private hotel located in the Old Towers district, 11-13 rue de Châteauneuf and Rue du Change. Built in the 15th century, it was originally associated with the Berthelot family before moving to Jean Briçonnet by marriage. The building, partially destroyed in 1885 during the piercing of Rue Châteauneuf, preserves architectural traces such as the coat of arms of Jean Briçonnet on the body of northern houses, dated before 1493, the year of his death. Its facades have been listed as historical monuments since 1928.

The hotel underwent major transformations in the 17th century, then a division into two parts around 1885, resulting in the loss of half of its original structure. Originally, a chapel founded by Jehan Berthelot and Perrinelle Thorrelle was associated with the building in the nearby St. Croix church. The successive changes, notably those sponsored by Jean Briçonnet after his marriage with Jeanne Berthelot, reflect the architectural and social evolution of the Tourangelle aristocracy of the late Middle Ages.

Today, Jean Briçonnet's hotel bears witness to the urban history of Tours, between medieval heritage and modern adaptations. His inscription as a historical monument in 1928 underlines its importance, despite the alterations suffered. Protected elements, such as facades, offer a glimpse of the art of living of local elites in the 15th and 17th centuries, in an emblematic neighbourhood of the city.

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