Hôtel de la Préfecture

English translation

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History

Work of the architect Bouillon, this building was inaugurated in 1864. It suffered three fires between 1875 and 1882. Félix Faure was received there in 1895 and Poincaré in 1913. On the main façade is applied a three-storey projecting section, respecting the classical progression of architectural orders, framed by flat vermiculated pilasters and coupled columns, and surmounted by a broken pediment enclosing a dormer itself bearing a semicircular pediment. The wings develop on each side of this ensemble. The first floor continues the Corinthian style decoration of the central projecting section. Two superimposed orders reign over the eastern façade, set back. Inside, the great salon is distinguished by its ceiling with three bays, filled with three large medallions opening onto skies in trompe-l'oeil. A decorative band of rinceaux and putti runs around the entire perimeter of this ceiling. On the walls, the woodwork is rhythmed by large Corinthian pilasters framing mirrors surmounted by stucco medallions. The former dining room features Neo-Louis XV decoration with a vast ceiling whose central part is occupied by a sky in trompe-l'oeil, on which painted vegetable elements stand out. In the vestibule, four Tuscan columns support a coffered ceiling. A round-arch porch leads to a double-circulation staircase whose railing decorated with stone crosspieces in the antique manner evokes rather the Empire style. The walls are divided into large panels painted in false marble.