Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The house in Laon, Aisne, is a limestone building whose current structure dates mainly from the 18th century. Originally, it seems to have been built in the 16th century and then transformed into a hotel in the early 17th century. A complete overhaul and expansion took place in the second half of the 17th century, especially when it became a salt attic. An external staircase of distribution, dated around 1702, was added at that time, with a ironwork ramp marked with the royal flower of lily, symbol of its connection with monarchical authority.

The entrance gate, situated at the impasse of the Cordeliers, dates back to the first half of the 13th century, reflecting an earlier occupation of the site. The house consists of a main body made of coated limestone rubble, with a gable on the street, and a living wing to the north of the courtyard, made of cut stone. Dependencies (remises, stables) close the courtyard, reflecting a typical organisation of buildings for mixed use (housing, storage, economic activities). The staircase ramp, classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 22 July 1927, is the only protected element of the building.

The history of this building illustrates the functional changes in urban construction: first private house, then hotel, it becomes a salt attic, place of storage and redistribution of salt, strategic product under the Old Regime. Its architecture thus blends medieval traces, 16th-17th century developments and 18th century additions, reflecting the changing needs of its occupants and local institutions.

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