VM181 Hotel De Soubise: The finest private mansion in Marais district

Commissioned by François de Rohan Soubise and his wife Anne de Rohan Chabot (one of the mistresses of Louis XIV), the once private mansion Hôtel de Soubise was built by the young architect Delamair in the late 17th century. The beautiful interior decoration was designed by Germain Boffrand and was later redecorated in a rococo style, including paintings by François Boucher, Natoire and Carle van Loo.  Later, the residence became the property of the state.

It houses the Museum of French History and part of the French National Archives.

We will visit the Prince’s and the Princess’s apartments, the ‘Empire style room’, and the charming garden that surrounds the building.

Instructor: Catherine Estivalezes holds a PhD in British and American Studies from the Sorbonne and has been involved for years in a foundation for promoting contemporary art, before getting back to art history studies. She has several years of experience in guiding, including districts, monuments, museums, and temporary exhibitions.