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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel de Lauzun, also known as Hotel Pimodan, is a private hotel built between 1657 and 1658 by architect Charles Chamois for the financier Charles Gruyn. Located at the 17th Quai d'Anjou on Île Saint-Louis, it is decorated by Michel Dorigny, student of Simon Vouet, with works such as Le Triomphe de Ceres and La Toilette de Venus. Its wrought iron balcony and vertical sundial, richly decorated, are remarkable elements.

The hotel changed owners several times: bought in 1682 by the Duke of Lauzun, then in 1685 by the Marquis de Richelieu, he then moved to the Ogier, Saulx-Tavannes and Lavallée families of Pimodan. In the 19th century, it was occupied by literary figures such as Charles Baudelaire, who wrote L'Invitation au voyage, and Théophile Gautier. The Arondel brocanter, installed on the ground floor, is heavily indebted to Baudelaire.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1906, the hotel became the property of the city of Paris in 1928. After renovations, including a staircase of honour added in 1949, he has been hosting the Institut d'études avancées de Paris since 2013. The hotel was also used as a setting for films such as La Neufème Porte (1998) by Roman Polanski and Les Trois Musquetaires: D'Artagnan (2023).

The sundial, restored in 1957, indicates hours and calendar with zodiac symbols. The 1910 entrance gates, which were replaced in the 2000s, were auctioned in 2021, sparking the excitement of heritage advocates. A commemorative plaque in honour of Baudelaire was placed there in 2022.

The hotel is also linked to cultural events, such as the sessions of the Club des Haschischins, co-founded by Théophile Gautier. Its history reflects the social and artistic transformations of Paris, from 17th century salons to residences of contemporary researchers.

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