A little-known jewel of the capital, this 17th century mansion not only sheltered a scandalous love story but also brought together, in the 19th century, the artists of the Romantic movement who, in this decor worthy of a Venetian palace, experimented with the effects of hashish on creativity. A doubly historical heritage to be discovered without further delay.
And romantic is definitely the best word to qualify one of the most magnificent jewels of architecture of the 17th century. Its name comes from the Duke of Lauzun, a general of the armies who won the favors of the king Louis XIV with his military successes but also his charm and his great freedom of spirit. Taking advantage of this royal friendship, he asked the hand of the «Grande Demoiselle», cousin of the «Sun King» and then the greatest fortune of France.
A request totally inconceivable at the time for a gentleman that was not from nobility! Madly in love with this outstanding seducer, it was Miss de Montpensier herself who asked him to marry her, despite the (very) unfavorable opinion of the King and in disregard of conventions of the of the monarchy at the time.
A few decades and owners later, this atypical love story was followed by another equally incredible story: the birth of the Hashischins Club. Created on the initiative of the painter Ferdinand Boissard and one of his doctor friends, its aim was to study the effects of hashish on the brain.
And what (great) brains were put to service in this experience! Delacroix, Daumier, Gautier, Balzac, Dumas, Flaubert, de Nerval...
All these great artists participated with a young resident of the house at the time, Charles Baudelaire, who got the inspiration to write the «Les Paradis Artificiels» here.
It's also here that the brilliant poet created his famous «Invitation au Voyage» and more recently, the movie Vatel was filmed in this beautiful place: the preservation of the period furniture and the adjoining rooms with their gilded woodwork do indeed make this house look like a miniature Chateau de Versailles, much more affordable scenery to rent.
Lovers of the 17th century, passionate about the artistic history of the 19th or simply curious wishing to discover a little known historical monument (today property of the city of Paris), here’s the address: 17 Quai d'anjou, 75004 Paris.
To visit it physically or for a first virtual visit.
Valerie from Comme des Français
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