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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Loir-et-Cher Prefecture Hotel, located in Blois, originates in a Visitandines convent founded in the 17th century. Between 1635 and 1655, the nuns built the north and east wings around the cloister, followed by the west wing, the church (1641-1647), and finally the south wing in 1655. After the Revolution, the site, confiscated, successively serves as a prison, military store, barracks, judicial annex, and even asylum for alienated persons. His destiny changed in 1824, when the restoration of the diocese of Blois forced the prefectural administration – then housed in the episcopal palace – to find a new seat.

The original project of architect Pierre-Jean-Alexandre Pinault, providing for the demolition of old buildings, was abandoned due to the lack of municipal agreement on the grounds of the Collège de Bourgmoyen. The current prefecture, which was established in 1826, was built in the north wing of the cloister, combining re-employment and new construction. Its sober architecture, marked by a forebody with double portals (doric and ionic) surmounted by a pediment, illustrates the official style of the 1830s. The park at the back and the courtyard of honour, closed by a gate, complete this whole, symbol of the emerging administrative power.

Interior, designed by Pinault and furnished by cabinetmaker Bellangé (Crown supplier), combines neoclassicism and local references. The blue living room houses two chairs of Louis XVI, saved from Versailles during the trial of Gracchus Babeuf, while the dining room exhibits faiences of Eugene Balon, heir to the tradition of Ulysse Besnard. Ranked a historic monument in 1977 for its facades, roofs, chapels, and salons with their decor, the building also bears witness to the urbanization of Blois: its establishment spurs the creation of an administrative district (Halle aux Grains, library, court).

His illustrious guests include the Duchess of Berry, General de Gaulle, and Prince Charles. The furniture of the large living room (18 armchairs, 2 sofas, 18 chairs) constitutes a rare intact ensemble of Bellangé, comparable to those of the Parisian ministries. Each year, Heritage Days reveal this national heritage and are rooted in local crafts (painted by artisans of the Loir-et-Cher).

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