Paris - Around Town : Invalides and Eiffel Tower Quarters (part 3) - Mansions

Hôtel Biron

Built in 1730, this elegant mansion was home to the duc de Biron. From 1904 it was transformed into state-owned artists’ studios. Among its residents was Auguste Rodin (1840–1917), who agreed to donate his works to the nation in return for his apartment and studio. After the sculptor’s death the house became the Musée Rodin.

Hôtel de Villeroy

Built in 1724 for Charlotte Desmarnes, an actress at the Comédie-Française, it is now the Ministry of Agriculture.

• 78–80 rue de Varenne, 75007

Hôtel Matignon

One of the most beautiful mansions in the area, built in 1721, is now the official residence of the French prime minister.

• 57 rue de Varenne, 75007

Hôtel de Boisgelin

Built in 1732 by Jean Sylvain Cartaud, this mansion has housed the Italian Embassy since 1938.

• 47 rue de Varenne, 75007

Hôtel de Gallifet

This attractive mansion was built in 1739 with Classical styling. It is now the Italian Institute.

• 50 rue de Varenne, 75007

Hôtel d’Estrées

Three floors of pilasters feature on this 1713 mansion. Formerly the Russian embassy, Czar Nicolas II lived here in 1896. It is now a government building.

• 79 rue de Grenelle, 75007

Hôtel d’Avaray

Dating from 1728, this mansion belonged to the Avaray family for nearly 200 years. It became the Dutch Embassy in 1920.

• 85 rue de Grenelle, 75007

Hôtel de Brienne

This mansion houses the Ministry of Defence, so no photos are allowed. Napoleon’s mother lived here from 1806–17.

• 14–16 rue St Dominique, 75007

Hôtel de Noirmoutiers

Built in 1722, this was once the army staff headquarters and World War I commander Marshal Foch died here in 1929. It now houses ministerial offices.

• 138– 140 rue de Grenelle, 75007

Hôtel de Monaco de Sagan

Now the Polish Embassy, this 1784 mansion has fountains framing the entrance. It served as the British Embassy until 1825.

• 57 rue St-Dominique, 75007