Hôtel de Chapelaines

Since the 13th century, this site has been home to the Hôtel de Clairvaux, a residence for the monks of the famous Cistercian abbey founded by Saint Bernard in 1115, 50 km from Troyes.

First the Hundred Years' War, then the rise of Protestantism in the 16th century. dealt a heavy blow to the Orders, which advocated poverty and manual labor. But it was the great fire of 1524 that finally ruined the hotel.
Nicolas Largentier, from a large family of dyers in Troyes, rebuilt it and named it after his château in Chapelaines (Marne).
The magnificent Renaissance-style ensemble features a non-rectilinear facade pierced by elaborate windows, under an openwork balustrade bearing fire pots.
Illustrious guests have stayed here, including Louis XIII in 1629, Austrian Emperor François II and Tsar Alexander in 1814.

Languages

• French