Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hôtel de Boisgelin, also known as the Rochefoucauld-Doudeauville, is a Parisian mansion located at 47-49 rue de Varenne, in the 7th arrondissement. Built in 1732 by architect Jean-Sylvain Cartaud for Gérard Heusch de Janvry, secretary of the King, it was built on a land rented to the religious of Charity through an emphyteotic lease of 45 years. When the lease expired in 1778, the hotel changed several times, including Prince Camille de Lorraine and Marie de Boisgelin, before being acquired in 1782 by his brother Raymond de Boisgelin, future cardinal.

In 1792, the hotel was seized as a demigrated property and awarded to the Hospices of Paris, then sold in 1807 to the Count of Preameneu, editor of the Civil Code. After several successive sales, he was bequeathed in 1840 to Angélique de La Brousse de Verteillac, who married Sosthene de La Rochefoucauld, Duke of Doudeauville. Their son-in-law, the Duke of Bisaccia, became its owner in 1876 and undertook major transformation work with architect Henri Parent, adding a marble staircase and sumptuous decorations, including woodwork from Bercy Castle.

Since 1938, the hotel has been home to the Italian Embassy, following an exchange with the Farnese Palace in Rome. Interior decorations, such as the dining room decorated with Venetian elements by Francesco Guardi, were later added. Partially listed at the Historic Monuments in 1926, the hotel retains architectural elements of the 18th and 19th centuries, witness to its past prestige.

The fronts on courtyard and garden, the marble staircase, as well as several living rooms and their decoration (antechamber, gallery, large living room) have been protected since 1926. The staircase, inspired by Versailles, is decorated with a curtain of Gobelins representing the History of Esther, acquired after the bag of the Palace of Summer in China. The large living room, the only space to preserve its original rocky woodwork, contrasts with subsequent additions, such as the chapel or winter garden built in the 19th century.

The hotel illustrates the transformation of an aristocratic heritage from the hands of the French nobility (Janvry, Boisgelin, La Rochefoucauld) to public institutions, before becoming a diplomatic place. Its history also reflects Franco-Italian cultural exchanges, with sets inspired by the 18th century Italian, integrating Venetian and Sicilian works.

The Caisse des dépôts et consignations acquired it in 1937, sealing its present destiny. Today, the hotel combines French architectural heritage and Italian influence, symbolizing almost three centuries of history between power, art and diplomacy.

Future

Since 1938, under an exchange of emphyteotic leases that allowed France to have the Farnese Palace for its embassy in Rome, the hotel houses the Italian Embassy.

External links