Hôtel Duché des Tournelles

Welcome to the touristic guide of Hôtel Duché des Tournelles, also known as Hôtel Cressart. This former private mansion is located at 18 Place Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement of Paris and was built in 1723 by architect Germain Boffrand for Guillaume Cressart on a plot of land that once belonged to financier Nicolas-Jérôme Herlaut. Since 1997, the mansion has been owned by Chanel, which uses it as its watchmaking and jewelry division headquarters. The hotel is situated on the northeast side of the square and is adjacent to Hôtel Moufle de La Thuilerie at number 16 and Hôtel de Parabère at number 20. The plot of land was acquired by Nicolas-Jérôme Herlaut in 1703, who quickly bequeathed it to politician Michel Chamillart, to whom he owed much of his fortune. Chamillart then sold it to his son, Michel II Chamillart, Marquis de Cany, who did not take advantage of it and passed away in 1716. His widow, Marie-Françoise de Rochechouart-Mortemart, sold the still-unbuilt plot of land to Guillaume Cressart in 1723, who entrusted the construction of the mansion to Germain Boffrand. Only ten years later, Boffrand sold the building to Louis-Auguste Duché des Tournelles, a tax collector. He passed the mansion down to his only daughter, Élisabeth-Louise de Scépeaux, who did not reside there and instead rented it out to another tax collector, Paul Randon de Boisset. Today, visitors can admire the stunning architecture of this historic building from the outside, but unfortunately, it is not open to the public. However, the surrounding area of Place Vendôme is a must-see for any tourist visiting Paris. The square is known for its luxury shops, high-end jewelry stores, and prestigious hotels. In conclusion, Hôtel Duché des Tournelles is a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture in Paris and is now home to Chanel's watchmaking and jewelry division. While it is not open to the public, it is still worth a visit to admire its stunning exterior and to explore the luxurious surroundings of Place Vendôme.

Location: 1st arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1723

Architect: Germain Boffrand

Source: Wikimedia