Hôtel de Montalivet

Hôtel de Montalivet is an 18th-century Parisian townhouse on rue de Varenne in the 7th arrondissement, standing directly across from the French Prime Minister's official residence.

Where exactly is it, and what does it look like?

The building sits at 58 rue de Varenne, in the Faubourg Saint-Germain neighborhood — a part of Paris packed with grand 18th-century aristocratic townhouses, many still hidden behind stone gates and courtyards. Its street-facing façade was reworked during the 19th century, so what visitors see today looks somewhat different from the original Louis XV-era design. The location makes it an easy stop on a longer walk: the Hôtel Matignon, seat of the French Prime Minister, is just steps away, and the Musée Rodin with its well-known sculpture garden is only a short walk further.

Who built it, and why?

Construction ran from 1736 to 1737, commissioned by Marguerite Paule de Grivel d'Orrouer, marquise de Feuquières. The architect behind the design was Pierre Boscry, while interior decoration was entrusted to his father, Charles Boscry, working alongside Nicolas Pineau, an ornamentalist closely associated with the rocaille style that defined so many Parisian interiors of that era. Little of that original decorative work is believed to survive inside the building today.

Who has lived there over the past three centuries?

The building's history reads largely as a chain of notable occupants. From 1764, it was home to the La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt family, one of the more prominent aristocratic lines in France. Ownership later passed to the Calmann-Lévy family, tied to the well-known Parisian publishing house, during the 19th century. Count Eugène-Auguste Caffarelli also lived in the house until his death in 1878. By the early 20th century, the property belonged to the Montalivet family — the source of its current name — with the American George W. Vanderbilt also counted among residents of that period. The Montalivet family retained the house until 1947.

What is it used for today?

The French state acquired the building in 1947, and it has since functioned as an annex to the Hôtel Matignon, the Prime Minister's official residence located directly across the street. That means Hôtel de Montalivet is not a museum or a publicly accessible attraction — it serves administrative and representative purposes for the French government. The building is listed as a monument historique under reference PA00088724, reflecting its recognized architectural and historical value.

Can visitors go inside?

The interior is not open to the public, since it remains an active government building. The best way to experience it is from the street: walk along rue de Varenne to view the façade, and pair the stop with a visit to the nearby Musée Rodin or a longer stroll through Faubourg Saint-Germain, where several comparable 18th-century townhouses still stand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hôtel de Montalivet a hotel where you can book a room? No. Despite the name, it is a historic private townhouse (hôtel particulier), not lodging. It currently serves as an annex to the French Prime Minister's residence.

Where is it located exactly? At 58 rue de Varenne, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, facing the Hôtel Matignon.

When was the building constructed? Between 1736 and 1737, commissioned by the marquise de Feuquières and designed by architect Pierre Boscry.

Is it open to visitors? No, the interior is closed to the public as an active government building. Only the exterior façade can be viewed from the street.