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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Hotel Denon is a private hotel built in the second half of the eighteenth century in Chalon-sur-Saône, Saône-et-Loire. It was built in 1759-1760 by the father of Dominique Vivant Denon, a notable figure in French cultural history. The building is distinguished by its Italian living room, located on the first floor, decorated with stucco and paintings above doors inspired by Boucher's works, illustrating the sciences and the arts. These artistic elements testify to the refinement and influence of the aesthetic currents of the era.

Around 1870, the hotel underwent major changes with the addition of a painted ceiling and neo-Louis XV style furniture, as well as the addition of a stairwell and a new building to the original structure. These transformations reflect the evolution of decorative tastes in the 19th century, while partially preserving 18th century architecture. The entire building is now protected, with a partial inscription to the historic monuments in 2000 and a partial ranking in 2010.

Hotel Denon is closely linked to Vivant Denon's youth, who lived there before becoming a prominent figure of art and diplomacy under Napoleon. The living room, the centrepiece of the monument, embodies the artistic and cultural heritage of the Denon family. Although private property, this place remains a major architectural and historical testimony of Chalon-sur-Saône, distinct from the former Denon hotel in Paris.

The protection of the monument covers the entire hotel, with the exception of already classified parts, as well as its gate. These preservation measures underline the heritage importance of this site, which combines family history, art and architecture. The exact address, 5 impasse Villa-Denon, allows to situate it precisely in the urban fabric of Chalon-sur-Saône, a city rich in historical heritage.

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