Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel de la Vieille Monnaie in Orléans was born in the Hundred Years War, when Charles VII installed a temporary monetary workshop in 1418. This workshop, active until 1456 (or 1507), was partially destroyed by fire in 1514. Its monetary function was restored in 1646 under Louis XIII, marking the beginning of its transformation into a sustainable building.

The entrance gate, dated from the end of the 17th century, presents a classic style with a curved arch, bosses and a triangular pediment. The inner courtyard, paved, is bordered by a house and two wings in return of square. An external double-revolution staircase, decorated with an 18th-century wrought iron ramp, leads to a window door. The facades, marked by angle chains and pediment windows, reflect successive architectural changes.

Inside, a wooden staircase with an 18th century wrought iron ramp leads to the upper floor, where a letter "O" – symbol of Orleanian coins – is engraved on the landing. This detail recalls the original use of the place, linked to the monetary strike. The basements, accessible by three large doors, could have served as reserves or workshops. The ensemble, partially protected since 1981, illustrates the evolution of a royal industrial site into an urban hotel.

Protected elements include facades, gate, roofs, and exterior and interior staircases with wrought iron ramps. These architectural and historical features make it a rare testimony of monetary activities in the Loire Valley, between Renaissance and modern times.

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