Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hôtel-Dieu de Gray was founded in 1715 by letters patent of Louis XIV, with a first stone laid on August 25, 1716 by the Count of Montcault, in the presence of the local authorities. The original plans, designed by the bisontin architect Jacques-François Tripard, included a Greek cross building with a central chapel. The contractor Florent Gauthier supervised the work, and the chapel was completed in 1772, marking the end of a first phase of construction until 1750.

In the 19th century, the settlement had extensive extensions. In 1850, Christophe Colard, architect of the hospices, erected a large body of longitudinal building for children, decorated with a pediment carved by Constant Grandgirard representing Faith and Charity. Between 1862 and 1865, the chapel was completely redecorated by the painters Joseph-Constant Menissier and his son Charles, with wall paintings and frescoes. Subsequent improvements, such as the laundry (1890-1892) or the administrative pavilion (1903-1905), complemented the whole.

The Hotel-Dieu, transformed into a hospice in the 20th century, today preserves its chapel classified as a Historic Monument since 2000, with its intact decorations. The successive transformations preserved the original mass plan and wing of 1850, while modifying the interiors. The archives also mention contributions by local artisans, such as the sculptor Grandgirard or the master glassmaker Joseph Beyer, as well as architectural quotes such as Antoine Mielle (housing of the chaplain, 1787) or Jean-Baptiste Mielle (court grille, 1811).

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