Hôtel des Affaires étrangères et de la Marine, Historic administrative building in central Versailles, France.
The Hôtel des Affaires étrangères et de la Marine is a classical administrative building from 1762 built with brick and featuring flat vaults inside. The construction was designed according to the standards of the time to reduce fire risks.
The building was constructed in the 1760s as an administrative seat and played a central role in French foreign policy in the decades that followed. Important international treaties were negotiated here that shaped Europe's future.
The reception hall witnessed key diplomatic moments and reflects France's role in international relations during the 1700s. Visitors today can still see the refined design that was intended for official meetings.
The building is centrally located in Versailles and houses the city library today, which is open to the public. Visitors should know this is an active library space, so normal opening hours and access rules apply.
The library holds a rare collection of early printed works from the time of the French Revolution, seized during political upheaval and preserved here. These historical volumes show how cultural treasures were kept and catalogued during times of major change.
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