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Origin and history

The house located in Richelieu, in the Grande Rue, is a corner pavilion integrated with the ambitious urban project launched by Cardinal Richelieu. The latter transformed his native village into a planned city, entrusting the plans to architect Jacques Lemercier. The regular layout, with its ditches, walls and symmetrical streets, reflects a desire for order and grandeur, characteristic of the 17th century achievements under the influence of Louis XIII's minister.

The land of this house was first allocated on 11 Feb. 1633 to Estienne Bryois, lord of Bagnolles and secretary of the king, on condition to build within two years. However, the land was finally transferred to André Legrand, adviser to the king and receiver general of finances, on 17 March 1636, with the obligation to erect a hotel in six months according to Lemercier's plans. The building, although very redesigned, preserves original elements such as 17th and 18th century attic, a stone skylight, a vaulted cellar, and a well margin.

The house follows an architectural model identical to that of the 4 Grande Rue, but reversed, illustrating the standardization of constructions in this new city. The communes once housed small mechanical workshops, showing a mix of habitat and artisanal activities. The façade and roof were protected by a registration order for the Historic Monuments on June 9, 1932, highlighting its heritage interest in the urban complex designed by Richelieu.

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