Palais de Rohan

In the archaeological basement museum, you can experience a journey through time that spans from the Paleolithic to the eighth century AD.

On the ground floor is where you'll find the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Here, rooms adorned with Hannong ceramics and gleaming silverware evoke the opulent way of life of the nobility in the 18th century.

THINGS TO DO AT PALAIS DE ROHAN:

• Discover the site's most impressive example of architectural design:

The Palais Rohan, built in France in the 18th century, is an important example of the country's architecture.

Prince Bishop Armand-Gaston de Rohan-Soubise commissioned the construction of the building because he desired to flaunt the power of the French crown in a city that had only recently been returned to French rule. In addition, he wanted to celebrate the victorious return of Catholicism in an area that had previously been a stronghold of the Protestant Reform.

The extravagance of the new building, which was without a doubt one of the most significant architectural accomplishments of France in the 18th century, was a reflection of Armand-high Gaston's opinion of himself.

Robert de Cotte, who was serving as the architect of the King at the time and was at the height of his abilities, was chosen to take on this challenging endeavor.

Construction began in 1732 under the direction of Joseph Massol and was completed in 1742 after a total of ten years of work.

• Take a look at the different stages of thought that went into the curation and styling of the space:

The palace was constructed out of yellow sandstone, which was uncommon for the period in which it was built. The grand mansions of Paris inspired the design of the palace. A promenade with a terrace that overlooked the river was built in its place, and the garden was removed.

A triumphal arch-shaped gateway at the northern end of the structure, directly across from the Cathedral, serves as the opulent main entrance.

Robert Le Lorrain, employed by the King as his sculptor, was responsible for creating the vast majority of the sculptures found in the palace. These sculptures depict themes such as charity, forgiveness, and justice.

The central portion of the building has a more solemn appearance, while the facade facing the riverside has 17 bays arranged around a central avant-corps with four columns and a pediment that displays the Cardinal's coat of arms as its crown.

The palace's interior comprises spacious ceremonial apartments arranged in front of the river and numerous small apartments located on the northern portion of the ground floor.

The gilded stucco interiors of the King's bedroom and the Assembly room highlight the regional rococo art found in the palace.

As a result of the visit made by the King to the palace in the year 1744, it became customary for foreign princesses to pay a visit to the location before their marriage to a King or Queen of France.

• Discover hidden gems at the museum:

In 1889, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée archéologique, and in 1918, the Musée des arts décoratifs were all given ownership of the building, all of which are now housed within the palace.

On the first floor of the Musée des Beaux-Arts is a collection that features artwork from the 14th century until the 19th century. This collection includes works by artists like El Greco, Botticelli, and Flemish Primitives.

The distinguished French architect Robert de Cotte of Versailles was commissioned in 1732 to design the episcopal palace, which later became the lavish residence of the princely bishops who presided over the city.

Additionally, Louis XV and Marie Antoinette visited this location.