Hello, friends! Today, let me treat you to a tour of one of the most exquisite public locations in Paris, the Hôtel de Soubise, home of the French National Archives.
The Hôtel de Soubise was created in the early 1700’s for the Prince and Princess de Soubise (Anne de Rohan-Chabot, a former mistress of Louis XIV). One of its most splendid rooms is the Salon de la Princesse, above, an oval chamber embellished in finest Rococo fashion with intricate, gilded boiserie (carved wood), cherubs, ceiling paintings and mirrors.
And, of course, a sparkling chandelier which is reflected multiple times infinitely in the tall mirrors.
Boiserie is a highly-skilled art form in which wood paneling is carved in painstaking detail and then gilded or painted.
This spectacular boiserie ceiling is featured in my book, Paris in Bloom, and its accompanying video, which you can see here.
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Another breathtaking room is the Salon du Prince, also an oval chamber, with ivory boiserie set against pale, duck-egg blue paneling.
This image (above) from Paris in Bloom, shows the mastery of the artisans who created the embellishments throughout the room.
And another room is decorated with this finely-detailed plaster work.
The Hôtel de Soubise is located in the Marais, at 60 rue de Francs-Bourgeouis, Paris, 75003. It is open every day except Tuesday. In addition to the beautiful interiors, it hosts fascinating and thought-provoking special exhibits as well as numerous historical documents and objects.
Á bientôt!
x
G
p.s. I post most days on Instagram @georgiannalane and would love to see you there!
Wonderful! It really is an extraordinary building and you have captured it beautifully, as usual!
Thanks so much, David! It was a joy to photograph!
So lovely I will be sure to visit when I get to Paris again, Hoping to go this year but I have so much dental work that must be done now I’m not sure we can go.
This is a lovely treat to help me not be sad something to look forward to next trip.
Thank you so much, Marie! I do hope you get back to Paris soon. Very glad you enjoyed the photos and wish you a great weekend. G
What a beautiful piece of architecture inside and out.
My favorite room is the Salon du Prince. The Salon de la Princesse, with the wonderful gold leaf workand is beautiful, but the Salon du Prince just speaks to me.
Thanks again for sharing ~ FlowerLady
Thank you so much, Lorraine! I agree about the Salon du Prince. That soft blue is so soothing and peaceful. Wishing you a lovely week. G
Truly breathtaking beauty, Georgianna, and you’ve photographed it so wonderfully.
Thank you for sharing, my friend, and have a lovely weekend.
xo.
Many thanks, Lisa. I’m really happy you enjoyed the tour. Wishing you a beautiful week ahead! G
What a beautiful place. You have captured it so thoughtfully.
Thank you so much, Veronica!
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos!! I was there myself but your post shows it in a more ‘delicate’ light and it’s fantastic. I’m surprised those soft shades of blue and green weren’t used more in places of that era. Ans I wonder what the Salon de la Princesse was used for…
Thanks so much, Suz! I’ve been three times now and each time it astounds me. I believe that it was a sort of salon for entertaining, perhaps music and dance. Appreciate you stopping by! G
L’hôtel de Soubise has always been a treasure box and favorite of mine. You’ve captured its beauty in such a gorgeous way!
Hi Debi! Thank you so much. I figured that you would know this location well. It’s a complete joy, isn’t it? G
OMG I’m just blown away! Oh how I wish I could afford to stay in such georgius surroundings, for just one day!
Don’t know which picture I love the most, but the pale, duck-egg blue paneling room, totally captured my heart. Duck egg blue. What a perfect name for that specific color!
Love it, love i, love it…
Now I’m more than thrilled to receive your book. Just got a message from Amazone.uk. It’s very soon on its way.
Warm regards to you Anders David. See you both on IG..
Pernille
Thank you so much, Pernille! I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos and I agree about the duck-egg blue. See you on Instagram! G