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Origin and history

The city hall of Toul is an ancient episcopal palace built in the 18th century for Scipion-Jérôme Bégon, bishop of Toul. Built between 1735 and 1743 by architect Nicolas Pierson and designer Dominique Charpy, he embodies the classical style with its colossal pilasters, ionic porch and dome inspired by Vaux-le-Vicomte. The back façade, adorned with a polygonal advance, and the semi-elliptic inner courtyard underline its episcopal prestige.

Originally, the palace housed spaces dedicated to the ecclesiastical administration, such as officiality or the auditorium (current wedding hall). Confiscated in 1791 during the Revolution, he became a town hall, sub-prefecture and court. Its interior, richly decorated until the fires of 1939 and 1940, was restored in 1981 in a contemporary style, after 33 years of abandonment.

The building reflects the importance of the diocese of Toul, one of the largest in France in the 18th century, with 800 parishes. Scipion-Jérôme Bégon, sponsor, wanted a residence up to his rank. After the Revolution, the palace was adapted to municipal needs, also home to the Toul Museum in 1872. Ranked a historic monument in 1930, it now symbolizes the architectural and political heritage of Lorraine.

The lateral wings, completed after 1754 under the episcopate of Claude Drouas de Boussey, complete the whole. The dardian roof, pierced with carved windows, and the domed dome recall the influence of the great French castles. Despite the destruction of the wars (1870, 1940), his rehabilitation preserved his central role in Toulouse life.

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