Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house of Jean Collet, also known as the Hotel de Crémille, is a private hotel located in Châtillon-sur-Indre, in the Indre department. This 16th-century monument is distinguished by its main house body, framed by a small backyard and a lower courtyard. Its facades are marked by two superimposed orders of classical ornaments, illustrating a mastery of ancient architectural principles, probably acquired by the study of specialized treatises.

The presence of Henry II's emblem on a keystone suggests that its construction dates from the reign of this king (1547-1559). The ramp-on-rail staircase is integrated into a stand-alone pavilion lit by a loggia or cabinet, demonstrating a provincial interpretation of the classic style. This monument thus reflects the local adaptation of the architectural influences of the Renaissance, under the impulse of a scholar.

The Hotel de Crémille was listed as historic monuments by order of 12 January 2006, recognizing its heritage value. His plan, organizing the spaces between court of honor and courtyard, as well as his decoration inspired by ancient orders, make it a remarkable testimony of the civil architecture of the Renaissance in Touraine. The house also illustrates how provincial elites integrated stylistic novelties from Italy or the royal court.

External links