Hôtel des Pénitentes, Angers

The Hôtel des Pénitentes is a private mansion in Angers featuring Renaissance architectural style. Its exterior displays intricate carved stonework, while the interior is defined by a remarkable fireplace decorated with medallions and ornamental details.

The building was constructed in the late 15th century by Benedictine monks from Saint-Nicolas Abbey as a refuge during unstable times. It was converted to a penitent house in 1649, a purpose it would serve for centuries.

The building's name reflects its shifting purposes throughout the centuries, from a place of prayer to a space for penitence and reform. Walking through it today, you sense how the same walls served completely different communities and their needs.

The mansion sits along Boulevard Descazeaux where you can view its exterior details and Renaissance features. Its outer walls were carefully restored between 1920 and 1942, preserving the historical character while ensuring structural stability.

The interior fireplace rivals those found in Loire Valley castles and survived multiple conversions and changes in the building's purpose. This level of craftsmanship was rarely seen in residential homes of that era, making this space stand out.