Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Jean Beaucé hotel, built in 1554 by the financier Jean Beaucé, is a Renaissance jewel located at 1 rue Lebascle in Poitiers. Its facade with ancient motifs (pilasters, medallions, mascarons) and picturesque stair tower make it a remarkable example of the architecture of the period. The decorations, inspired by Bonnivet Castle, illustrate the classical influence on local artisans, with bold perspective games at the corner of Rue du Puygarreau.

The building played a key role in French religious history: in 1558 it hosted the founding colloquium of the Reformed Churches of France and the second national synod in 1561. Occupied by Feldgendarmerie during World War II, it was listed as a historic monument in 1966. Its interiors, renovated in the 18th century, and its expansion from 1912 (neo-Renaissance facade on Louis-Renard Street) bear witness to its evolution throughout the centuries.

Today transformed into a private building after a renovation in 2013, the hotel retains protected elements such as its facades and roofs. The dome added in the 19th century on the decorative tower and the pediment windows recall its past prestige. Its exact address, crossed by sources, includes 1 rue Lebascle, 12 rue Louis-Renard and 6 rue Puygarreau, reflecting its successive extensions.

The sources highlight its heritage importance, mentioned in the Mérimée database and local publications such as the Poitou-Charentes News. Its decoration, blending floral rinsels and busts of Roman emperors, as well as its false sculpted perspective, make it a provincial reborn art model. The accuracy of its location is estimated to be satisfactory (level 6/10), according to available data.

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