Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house located in Richelieu, in the region Centre-Val de Loire, is a mansion built in the seventeenth century. It is part of the ambitious urban project launched by Cardinal de Richelieu, which transformed his native village into a new city. The plans were drawn up by architect Jacques Lemercier, known for his work on the Château de Richelieu, and the city adopted a regular route, with symmetrical streets, ditches, and houses aligned according to a uniform model.

Unlike other hotels in the city, this house does not follow the typical plan: its staircase is located in a wing in return of square, longer but narrower. It was built in 1633 by the entrepreneur Jean Barbet for Gaspard de Fieubet, treasurer of savings and adviser to the king. The facade and roof on street, as well as some interior parts such as a stone chimney, have been protected under the Historic Monuments since 1932 and 1992.

Richelieu's urban project reflected the cardinal's political and symbolic ambitions, combining architectural rigour and the affirmation of royal power. The city, with its monumental gates and its enclosure, was to embody order and modernity, while serving as a showcase to the glory of its founder. This private hotel is a testimony, combining residential function and social prestige in an exceptional urban setting.

External links