Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hôtel du Conseil Général de la Marne was originally the convent of Sainte-Marie, founded in 1631 by Pierre Fourier for the Congregation of Our Lady. Designed by architect Pacquotte, it was enlarged in the 18th century by Robert de Cotte, who added a chapel, buildings and a monumental portal. After the Revolution, the convent was confiscated, transformed into barracks, then into a wheat store, before becoming a cotton factory (1806-1826) and finally the Grand Séminaire in 1827.

In the 20th century, the site was abandoned: two wings were destroyed in 1903, and a gate was moved to the Garinet Museum. Between 1942 and 1991, he served as a police station. Ranked historic monument in 1943 for its facades and roofs, it was rehabilitated in 1995 by Jean-Denis Gouzien to host the General Council. The building, made of Champagne equipment (stone of chalk and brick), organizes around two courtyards: a roadway side Carnot street, and a garden-patio accessible by three arches.

The history of the place reflects the political and social upheavals of France, moving from a religious place to a public institution. Its architecture, marked by classical (Robert de Cotte) and regional influences (local materials), bears witness to the urban evolution of Châlons-en-Champagne. Today, it symbolizes both the historical heritage and the administrative life of the Marne department.

Future

Since 1995, he has known his current assignment to the General Council after a rehabilitation phase by architect Jean-Denis Gouzien.

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