Hotel de Sully

The Hotel de Sully, located in the Marais district of Paris, is an architectural gem from the 17th century that bears witness to the history and art of France. Built between 1624 and 1630 for the Duke of Sully, the mansion was designed by the architect Jean Androuet du Cerceau in a Renaissance style. It is now classified as a historic monument and houses the headquarters of the Centre des monuments nationaux.

History of the Hôtel de Sully

The Hôtel de Sully owes its name to the Duke of Sully, a minister of Henry IV. It was built on land that previously belonged to the Abbey of Sainte-Catherine-du-Val-des-Ecoliers. The Duke of Sully purchased the property in 1624, but he died before the construction was completed. His widow therefore finished the work in 1630.

Over the centuries, the Hôtel de Sully has had many owners and has been used for different purposes. During the French Revolution, it was confiscated and transformed into a tobacco manufacturing workshop. It was also used as a storage facility for wood and other construction materials. It was only in 1967 that it became the property of the State and was restored to become the headquarters of the Centre des monuments nationaux.

Architecture of the Hôtel de Sully

The Hôtel de Sully is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is built around a rectangular inner courtyard, with a main façade on Rue Saint-Antoine. The façade is decorated with sculptures and stone reliefs depicting scenes from the lives of Henry IV and Sully.

The building is topped by a slate roof with dormer windows and decorative chimneys. The windows are surrounded by white stone and are adorned with sculptures. The main entrance doors are made of wood and are also decorated with sculptures.

Inside, the Hôtel de Sully is decorated with frescoes and sculptures that testify to the art of the Renaissance. The ceilings are adorned with paintings and sculptures in the Baroque style. The reception rooms are furnished with period furniture and antique tapestries.

Visiting the Hôtel de Sully

The Hôtel de Sully is open to the public and offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the art and history of France. The inner courtyard is accessible free of charge and is open every day. Visitors can admire the Renaissance architecture of the building, as well as the sculptures and reliefs adorning the façade.

The exhibition rooms of the Hôtel de Sully regularly host temporary exhibitions devoted to the art and history of France. Visitors can also discover the rich history of the building through a guided tour.

The Centre des monuments nationaux organizes events and activities for all ages throughout the year, in order to enrich the experience of visitors to the Hôtel de Sully. Events include temporary exhibitions, concerts, conferences, thematic guided tours, and educational workshops.

Recent temporary exhibitions include “Si Paris m’était conté… par les monuments nationaux”, which presented the history of Paris through the eyes of the city’s national monuments. Visitors were able to discover works of art, photographs, and rare historical documents that highlighted the evolution of the city over the centuries.

The concerts organized at the Hôtel de Sully are also very popular with visitors. The artists are chosen for their excellence and their repertoire varies from classical to jazz to world music. The concerts take place in the inner courtyard of the mansion, creating an intimate and unique atmosphere.

Thematic guided tours offer visitors a unique opportunity to discover the Hôtel de Sully from a different perspective. Experienced and passionate guides can adapt the tours according to the specific interests of visitors, whether it be art history, architecture, or gardening.

Finally, educational workshops for children are designed to allow young visitors to discover the history and culture of the Hôtel de Sully in a fun and interactive way. Workshops can focus on the creation of French gardens, the restoration of historic buildings, or the making of historical costumes.

The Hôtel de Sully is an architectural gem located in the historic Marais district of Paris. In addition to its remarkable architecture, it offers a unique cultural and educational experience to visitors of all ages. The events organized throughout the year allow visitors to discover the history and culture of Paris in an interactive and immersive way. The Centre des monuments nationaux has succeeded in preserving and promoting France’s cultural heritage through this iconic monument.

Accessing the Hôtel de Sully

The Hôtel de Sully is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, near the Place des Vosges. It is easily accessible by public transportation or on foot from many points in the city.

By metro, the nearest stations are Saint-Paul on line 1 and Chemin Vert on line 8. By bus, lines 29, 69, 76, 96 and Balabus also stop near the Hôtel de Sully.

If you prefer to walk, the Hôtel de Sully is located about a 10-minute walk from the Bastille metro station and a 15-minute walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral.

For drivers, it is important to note that parking in the area is often difficult. It is recommended to use public transportation or park in a nearby public parking lot.

Guided tours of the Hôtel de Sully can be reserved with an accredited guide, which can be an excellent option to discover the history and architecture of this magnificent building.

Location: 5 Place des Vosges 75004 Paris