by Discover the Hôtel de Sainte-Aldegonde at 102 rue du Bac, an exquisite early 18th-century mansion that exemplifies the refined elegance of Regency architecture in Paris’ prestigious 7th arrondissement. This beautifully preserved private residence stands as a testament to the artistic sophistication of the rocaille period.
Built in the early 1700s, when French nobility was transforming the Faubourg Saint-Germain into Paris‘ most exclusive quarter, the hôtel showcases the decorative exuberance characteristic of its era. The building’s street and courtyard facades display the harmonious proportions and refined detailing that made this neighborhood the preferred address for France’s aristocracy.
The mansion’s interior preserves sumptuous rocaille-style decorations, representing some of the finest examples of this ornamental style in Paris. The protected staircase, featuring original wrought iron railings, demonstrates the period’s masterful metalwork and attention to decorative detail. These architectural treasures earned the building classification as a Monument Historique in 1955.
The hôtel’s distinguished history reflects the social evolution of the Faubourg Saint-Germain. In 1822, it became home to M. de Gourgues, a councilor at the Court of Accounts. The property gained its current name in 1852 when Count Gaston de Sainte-Aldegonde, former page to the king and peer of France, acquired the residence. After the Count’s era, the building served educational purposes when Abbé Descours established the Saint-Germain school here in 1890.
In the 20th century, the mansion found new life in the hands of cultural preservationists. Monsieur Larcade, a renowned antique dealer, recognized its artistic value, followed by M. Jean Serruys, who devoted considerable effort to restoring this Regency gem to its original splendor.
Today, the Hôtel de Sainte-Aldegonde remains in private hands, continuing its centuries-old tradition as one of rue du Bac’s most elegant residences. While not open to the public, its protected facades and architectural details contribute to the historic character of this distinguished Parisian street, where 18th-century elegance lives on amid the modern city.