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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Richaud Hospital, originally a modest Charitable House founded in 1636 under Louis XIII, became a royal hospital in the 18th century. The current building, designed by architect Charles François Darnaudin from the plans of Angel-Jacques Gabriel, was erected between 1781 and 1859, with an interruption during the Revolution. Managed by the Daughters of Saint Vincent de Paul, he gradually spreads to respond to the influx of sick people, without a coherent overall plan, thus mixing different architectural styles. The chapel and facades are classified as Historical Monuments in 1980. After its abandonment in 1981, the site was bought in 2009 by a private developer for an ambitious conversion.

Transferred to the Mignot Hospital in 1981, the building remained abandoned until its sale by the state to the OGIC company via the city of Versailles. The project includes housing (of which 20% are social), shops, a crèche, and a cultural space in the former chapel, renamed Espace Richaud. Gardens, open to the public, and pedestrian lanes now connect the area. Some of the degraded extensions are destroyed and rebuilt between 2013 and 2014 to finance the restoration of historic buildings, whose pale yellow facades are restored.

Inaugurated in 2015 under the name of Carré des Siècles, the site hosts six businesses (including an Apple franchise and a Bio C The disused chapel also serves as a theatre venue during Molière Month. Despite its real estate success (housings sold in one weekend), the privatization of the monument sparked controversy, accusing the city hall of Versailles of mismanagement of the public heritage.

The operation involves a complex assembly between the state, the Ministry of Justice, and the city, before its final transfer to the private sector. Critics, notably by Henry de Lesquen before the 2014 municipal elections, denounce a waste of public money. Despite this, the site retains its historical character, with protected elements such as the chapel and facades, while integrating into the modern urban landscape of Versailles, near the Rive-Right station and Hoche High School.

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