Hôtel Gabriel, Historical private mansion in Lorient, France.
The Hôtel Gabriel is a private mansion in Lorient featuring two symmetrical pavilions built in classical style arranged around a central courtyard with landscaped gardens. The structure displays typical features of 18th-century French architecture with balanced proportions and formal design elements.
The mansion was built between 1733 and 1742 by architect Jacques Gabriel and initially served as an auction house for the Compagnie Perpetuelle des Indes. Its construction occurred during a period when Lorient was establishing itself as a major trading center for colonial commerce.
The building now serves as a municipal archive and heritage center, preserving documents that record Lorient's development. Visitors can explore records related to the city's past and understand how this place shaped local identity.
Located in the Peristyle district, the mansion welcomes researchers and visitors interested in exploring local historical records and architectural heritage. Check opening hours and access requirements before your visit, as its use as an archive may have certain restrictions.
Two historical cannons guard the entrance gate, including one captured during the Pastry War of 1838, linking the site to past maritime conflicts. These artifacts remind visitors that Lorient played a significant role in France's maritime and colonial ventures.
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