Hôtel du Châtelet

The Hôtel du Châtelet is a grand townhouse on rue de Grenelle built in the late 18th century with neoclassical features throughout its design. The structure displays a symmetrical facade, stone detailing, and the refined proportions typical of French architecture from this period.

Architect Mathurin Cherpitel designed and built this residence in 1776 for the Duke of Châtelet, and the state acquired it after the Duke's execution during the French Revolution in 1793. It later served different government purposes before settling into its current use.

The building represents the French hôtel particulier tradition, a style of grand townhouse built for aristocratic urban living. Walking past, you notice the elegant facade and tall windows that were typical of how wealthy families displayed their status in the city.

The building now houses the Ministry of Labour and is not open to the public as it remains an active government workplace and official residence. You can still appreciate its exterior stonework and proportions from the street, particularly during daylight hours.

Between 1796 and 1807, this mansion housed the École nationale des ponts et chaussées, one of Europe's oldest engineering schools. Many of the engineers trained there went on to direct major infrastructure projects across the continent.