Hôtel de Coislin

Paris, FR

Hôtel de Coislin
Hôtel de Coislin
Location
Paris, FR
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
48.867081, 2.322026
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Hôtel de Coislin, located at 4 Place de la Concorde in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, is a distinguished example of 18th-century French neoclassical architecture. Commissioned by Marie-Charlotte de Béthune-Charost and designed by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, it was constructed between 1770 and 1774. This building stands as a testament to the architectural rigor of the era, sharing its design language with the adjacent Hôtel de Crillon. Visitors often include this site when planning their itinerary for historical landmarks in Paris, as it sits prominently at the intersection of royal urban planning and revolutionary history. While the interior remains largely private, the exterior façade is a primary point of interest for those exploring the architectural heritage of the Place de la Concorde. When looking for what to do in the area, the site serves as an essential stop for enthusiasts of 18th-century design. The building’s historical weight is significant, having served as the site where the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance between France and the United States were signed in 1778. Today, it remains a protected monument, reflecting the grandeur of the Ancien Régime. Whether you are conducting a deep dive into French history or simply admiring the urban aesthetics of the capital, the Hôtel de Coislin offers a glimpse into the aristocratic life of pre-revolutionary Paris.

General information

The Hôtel de Coislin, located at 4 Place de la Concorde in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, is a distinguished example of 18th-century French neoclassical architecture. Commissioned by Marie-Charlotte de Béthune-Charost and designed by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, it was constructed between 1770 and 1774. This building stands as a testament to the architectural rigor of the era, sharing its design language with the adjacent Hôtel de Crillon. Visitors often include this site when planning their itinerary for historical landmarks in Paris, as it sits prominently at the intersection of royal urban planning and revolutionary history. While the interior remains largely private, the exterior façade is a primary point of interest for those exploring the architectural heritage of the Place de la Concorde. When looking for what to do in the area, the site serves as an essential stop for enthusiasts of 18th-century design. The building’s historical weight is significant, having served as the site where the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance between France and the United States were signed in 1778. Today, it remains a protected monument, reflecting the grandeur of the Ancien Régime. Whether you are conducting a deep dive into French history or simply admiring the urban aesthetics of the capital, the Hôtel de Coislin offers a glimpse into the aristocratic life of pre-revolutionary Paris.

Did you know

  • The building was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the same architect responsible for the Place de la Concorde itself.
  • It was the site of the 1778 signing of the first treaties between the United States and France.
  • The Hôtel de Coislin is classified as a Monument Historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

History

Construction of the Hôtel de Coislin took place between 1770 and 1774, commissioned by Marie-Charlotte de Béthune-Charost. The structure was built as part of the grand urban development of the Place de la Concorde, then known as the Place Louis XV. Architecturally, it adheres to the strict neoclassical standards set by the Crown. Its most notable historical event occurred on February 6, 1778, when the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance were signed within its walls. These documents were instrumental in securing French support for the American Revolutionary War. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the building transitioned through various private and professional uses, maintaining its structural integrity as a protected French historic monument.

Cultural significance

The Hôtel de Coislin represents the peak of 18th-century aristocratic urban residence design in Paris. Its cultural importance lies in its role as a silent witness to the diplomatic birth of the United States, serving as a venue for high-stakes political negotiation. Because it shares a unified façade design with the neighboring Hôtel de Crillon, it contributes to the visual harmony and symmetry of the Place de la Concorde. It stands as a physical manifestation of the transition from the ornate Rococo style to the more restrained, orderly Neoclassicism that defined the late years of the French monarchy. It remains a key reference point for architectural historians studying the impact of Ange-Jacques Gabriel on the Parisian cityscape.

Geography and landscape

The Hôtel de Coislin is situated on the north side of the Place de la Concorde, at the corner of the Rue Royale. This location is one of the most central and historically charged spots in Paris. The building is part of a pair of identical structures separated by the Rue Royale, with the Hôtel de Coislin occupying the eastern side. The surrounding area is characterized by grand, wide boulevards, the Tuileries Garden to the south, and the prominent neoclassical architecture of the 8th arrondissement. The terrain is flat, typical of the Seine river basin, and the site offers a direct view across the square toward the Seine and the Palais Bourbon.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch

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