Hôtel Philandrier, Private mansion in Châtillon-sur-Seine, France.
Hotel Philandrier is a stone mansion featuring ground floor arcades and two upper stories accessed by an exterior staircase. The building displays classical 16th-century architecture with balanced proportions and today operates as a visitor information center.
This residence was built in 1537 as a private home and witnessed local history in the region over centuries. In 1928, the Foundation for French Art Preservation acquired the deteriorating building and carried out a full restoration.
Inside, the first floor displays allegorical wall paintings from the 17th century showing the four parts of the world and reflecting Renaissance artistic ideas. These paintings tell of the trade routes and European curiosity about distant lands during that era.
The building sits on Rue du Bourg in the center of Châtillon-sur-Seine and is easy to reach on foot. It operates as a visitor information office where you can learn about the town and region.
During World War II, the building was repurposed as a medical clinic after surviving the bombardment in June 1940. This unexpected use shows how important the place became to the local community during times of crisis.
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