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Heritage classified

Origin and history

Hotel de la Coquille is an iconic house located in the upper town of Provins, in Seine-et-Marne. Its name comes from a Saint James shell, symbol of pilgrims, carved on the vault key of its entrance. This architectural detail bears witness to its possible link to medieval pilgrimage paths, although its exact history remains partially documented.

The façade of the building was listed as historic monuments on May 11, 1932, recognizing its heritage value. Located in Châtel Square, the hotel is located in a historic area of Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage town for its preserved medieval heritage. No additional information is available on its origins or original owners.

Provins, a prosperous medieval town thanks to trade and crafts, had many half-timbered houses and stone buildings such as the Hotel de la Coquille. These buildings reflected the wealth of local merchants and artisans, while serving as places of life, commerce or reception for travellers. Civil architecture of that time often mixed religious symbols and decorative elements, as evidenced by the shell of this monument.

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