Hôtel le Tonnelier de Breteuil

Hôtel le Tonnelier de Breteuil is an 18th-century private mansion in Paris's 3rd district featuring a restrained facade with a carriage entrance ornated by a carved mask. The inner courtyard is symmetrically designed and displays the standard layout typical of aristocratic residences of that era.

Claude Le Tonnelier de Breteuil, a high-ranking judicial official, purchased the property and oversaw its transformation into an elegant residence. The building took its current form in the early 1700s when it became one of the notable homes in the Marais district.

The interior layout reflects how wealthy Parisians of the 1700s organized their private homes for both family life and public business. You can observe the balance between formal reception areas and private living spaces.

The mansion is conveniently located near the Carnavalet Museum and Place des Vosges in a walkable neighborhood. The building now houses the National Archives and is not open to the general public, though you can view its exterior facade from the street.

In 1738, architect Jean Aubry added a new wing facing the courtyard that modified the original arrangement of the house. This addition reveals how such residences were continuously adapted to suit the changing needs of their occupants.