Hôtel Baudard de Saint-James

The Hôtel Baudard de Saint-James is a private mansion from the 18th century located at Place Vendôme, featuring cut stone walls, mullioned windows, and decorative architectural elements that express classical French design. The building rises over several floors with carefully proportioned facades that reflect how prominent residents built their homes during this period.

The building was designed by architect Jacques Gabriel in 1702 as a residence for a Parisian physician and scholar. The structure changed hands and uses several times over the centuries, eventually becoming home to a jewelry business that continues to occupy it today.

The mansion was a residence for Paris's upper class during the 19th century, attracting creative figures who made it a center for artistic life. Its rooms reveal how wealthy inhabitants organized their daily lives and hosted gatherings among society's elite.

The mansion sits directly on Place Vendôme, where luxury shops and upscale restaurants are located, making it easy to explore the surroundings. The central location lets visitors observe the exterior and experience the historic square while moving through the busy area on foot.

The interior spaces retain decorations created in the 18th century by a renowned interior designer and painters, setting it apart from many other mansions on Place Vendôme. This ornamentation represents part of the original artistic vision and shows craftsmanship techniques that have become rare today.