Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Dubuisson de Douzon hotel, located at 3 rue de Paris in Moulins (Allier), is a private hotel dating back to the 17th century, although its current structure dates mainly from the 18th century. It is distinguished by its organization around two courtyards: a courtyard of honour and a secondary courtyard, as well as by a characteristic facade of the middle of the eighteenth century, decorated with twelve windows with balconys in ironwork bearing the figure DD (Dubuisson de Douzon). The older inner courtyard features a rare black and red brick diamond-shaped machine, typical of Bourbonnais, and houses a unique living fountain, once used to conserve live fish.

Inside, the hotel preserves remarkable elements such as Versailles parquet floors, a boudoir decorated with stuccos and Louis XVI style wallpapers, and a large living room entirely decorated with stuccos (cupolas, bas-reliefs, door tops) reflected by ice. Three stairs of different periods (Louis XV and two Louis XVI) serve the floors. The ensemble illustrates the architectural and decorative evolution between the 17th and 18th centuries, mixing medieval heritage and classical refinement.

The hotel originally belonged to the family of Lingendes, bourbonese aristocrats, before being acquired in the middle of the eighteenth century by Denis du Buisson, Count of Dozon. The latter, governor of Moulins in 1775 and deputy of the nobility to the general states of 1789, made important adjustments before being guillotined in 1793 for his counter-revolutionary positions. Today divided into condominiums, the hotel has been partially classified and listed as historical monuments since 2000, protecting its interior decorations, stairs, and large living room.

The official protection, which took place by decree of 10 August and 6 December 2000, covers the entire hotel (courses, fountain, stairs, apartments with woodwork, stucco and paintings), as well as the large company lounge, classified for its exceptional decoration. This monument bears witness to both the bourbonese aristocracy and the upheavals of the French Revolution, while offering a rare example of preserved civil architecture in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

External links