The Hôtel Biron, a majestic mansion in Paris, has witnessed a rich and varied history. Abraham Peyrenc de Moras, the original owner, crafted a grand residence, complete with exquisite gardens, in the heart of the city. After his death in 1736, his widow leased the mansion to the Duchess of Maine, who made subtle adjustments to the interior. However, it was Louis-Antoine de Gontaut-Biron, known as Marshal Biron, who truly left his mark on the property.
He inherited the estate from the Duchess of Maine in 1753 and transformed the grounds into one of Paris’ most celebrated gardens. He expanded the ornamental garden, created a beautiful circular pool, and introduced an English-style garden, complementing the existing French classical garden. Biron carefully preserved the character of the original gardens, respecting the layout and species chosen by the original owner. He even relocated the kitchen garden to a different part of the estate, ensuring its continued presence. The beauty and grandeur of the gardens during Biron’s tenure are well-documented through descriptions and engravings published in the late 18th century. He bequeathed the mansion the name that endures to this day – the Hôtel Biron.
The Hôtel Biron in the 19th Century
The 19th century brought a series of owners and tenants to the Hôtel Biron. The Duke of Charost, for instance, transformed the kitchen garden into an English-style garden, complete with a water feature. He even hosted public events, creating a festive atmosphere in the gardens. The Holy See leased the mansion to house Cardinal Caprara, one of the papal legates, and even the Emperor of Russia established his embassy there for a brief period.
A turning point arrived in 1820 when the Duchess of Charost sold the entire property to three nuns, including Reverend Mother Madeleine-Louise-Sophie Barat, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This religious congregation converted the property into a boarding school for girls. The nuns made significant changes to the buildings and grounds, reflecting their new purpose. The original decor, including wood paneling, wrought-iron work, and painted decorations, was gradually replaced as the sisters sought to adapt the property to their needs. The pool built by Marshal Biron was filled in, replaced by a mound containing an ex-voto dedicated to the Virgin Mary. By the end of the century, the gardens had been transformed into a practical space used for growing food and raising livestock.
Transformation and New Beginnings in the 20th Century
The Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus disbanded in 1904, and the Hôtel Biron was placed under receivership. The property was put up for sale, and while awaiting a buyer, it attracted a fascinating array of tenants. Among them were artists, writers, and intellectuals, drawn to the mansion’s unique charm and history. Jean Cocteau, Henri Matisse, Isadora Duncan, and Clara Westhoff were just a few of the creative individuals who found inspiration within the mansion’s walls. The sculptress Clara Westhoff, who later married the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, introduced the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin to the Hôtel Biron.
Rodin, captivated by the mansion’s grandeur and the wild beauty of its gardens, rented four rooms on the ground floor in 1908 to use as studios. He was particularly drawn to the gardens, which inspired him to display some of his sculptures and antique collection amidst the greenery. By 1911, he occupied the entire Hôtel Biron, marking a significant chapter in its history.
