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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Hôtel de la Rallière, also known as Château de la Rallière, is a 17th century mansion located in Preuilly-sur-Claise, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Initially attributed to the 1630s, recent studies, including a dendrochronological analysis, showed that its construction took place between 1644 and 1648. The southern pavilion, whose woods were cut down in 1646-1647, suggests a definitive installation around 1647. The project, commissioned by Samuel Gaudon, Sieur de la Rallière, remained unfinished at his death in 1650.

Samuel Gaudon, a wealthy Protestant close to Mazarin, was a farmer at the entrance to Paris, compromised in the Fronde. His ambition to rebuild Preuilly-sur-Claise in the image of Richelieu has never been proven. The building, consisting of three unequal bodies, was originally to include two additional pavilions for perfect symmetry. Its central pavilion, with an imperial dome, bears witness to this interrupted architectural ambition.

Ranked a historic monument in 1942, the hotel became a hospice in 1853 thanks to a donation by Louis-Joseph Dauphin to the commune. For nearly 140 years he served this function before regaining his heritage status. Today, it is distinguished by its baluster staircase and its history combining power, religion and untapped architecture.

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