The Hôtel de Beauharnais, a hidden treasure in the heart of Paris, offers a rare peek into the opulent world of the Napoleonic era. This private residence, now the home of the German ambassador, is a testament to history, boasting intricate décor and furniture that transports visitors back in time.
A Palace of Power and Luxury
In the 7th arrondissement, nestled amongst bustling Parisian life, lies a hidden gem – the Hôtel de Beauharnais. This majestic building, built in 1713, has witnessed a rich tapestry of history, playing host to some of the most significant figures of the French Empire. Its grandeur and intricate design draw the visitor’s eye in every direction.
During the European Art Trades Days (JEMA), this private residence, usually off-limits to the public, opened its doors to a select few. While one might expect a museum-like atmosphere, the guide, Francoise de Guilhermier-Jacquot, cautions, “This is not a museum, but a diplomatic space subject to strict protocol.” The allure of photography and leisurely exploration is replaced by a respectful awareness of the space’s current purpose.
However, the entrance hall, adorned with exquisite marble, invites the visitor to embark on a journey through time. The Hôtel de Beauharnais, once a hub of Napoleonic power, showcases an unparalleled collection of Empire-style décor and furniture, unique in all of France. The guide exclaims, “Some of the rooms are a visual shock!”
This residence holds a significant advantage over other grand sites of the Empire, such as the castles of Fontainebleau, Compiègne, and Rueil-Malmaison, which now serve as museums. The Hôtel de Beauharnais, through a detailed inventory dating back to 1817, has meticulously preserved its original layout, allowing visitors to experience rooms as they were during the Napoleonic era. The “green room,” adjacent to the entrance, retains its Egyptian-inspired charm, featuring exquisite woodwork, sculpted and gilded ornaments, and green silk chairs, reminiscent of Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign.
A Legacy of Josephine’s Splendor
The Hôtel de Beauharnais played a pivotal role in the lives of Josephine and her son, Eugène de Beauharnais. After the French Revolution, the hotel was looted and, in 1803, rented to Eugène, the son of Josephine, Napoleon’s wife. This was no ordinary rental, as Eugène was considered a potential successor to Bonaparte.
Josephine, now Empress, and her daughter Hortense spared no expense in transforming the hotel into a fitting residence for Eugène, ensuring its grandeur matched his stature. The library, a majestic space overlooking the garden, stands as a testament to their opulent taste. The original decoration is still intact, showcasing two monumental bookcases, attributed to the renowned cabinetmaker Jacob-Desmalter, adorned with gilded swan locks. This symbol, the guide explains, “Represents Eugène, who rose to become Viceroy of Italy and Duke of Leuchtenberg through his marriage to the daughter of the Bavarian King.”
However, Napoleon, faced with the exorbitant cost of the renovation, withdrew Eugène’s right to use the hotel in 1806 and transformed it into an official residence for distinguished guests, including his brother, Jérôme Bonaparte, King of Westphalia.
Despite the initial tension, the relationship between Napoleon and Eugène remained strong. Eugène returned to the hotel several times, particularly after 1812.
A Journey Through History on the First Floor
To truly appreciate the treasures of the Hôtel de Beauharnais, one must ascend to the first floor. The “Salon of the Four Seasons,” a magnificent room reflecting Josephine’s vision of “noble simplicity and calm majesty,” is a visual feast.
This grand salon, as it was known in the 1817 inventory, features four paintings depicting the allegories of the seasons and Pompeian dancers, showcasing one of the finest interior designs of the Empire.
Adjacent to the salon, lies a bedroom with a ceiling preserved since its creation, creating a unique historical setting. The four-poster bed, the only ceremonial bed in a Parisian hotel of the period, adds to the room’s exceptional charm.
The true highlight, however, is the exquisite bathroom, a miniature masterpiece showcasing Roman-inspired décor. Columns and frescoes reminiscent of Rome’s grand thermal baths transport the visitor to another era.
A Turkish boudoir, adjacent to the bathroom, served as a resting space after the bath. This boudoir, a rare example of oriental fashion around 1800, boasts a ceiling adorned with a frieze depicting the daily life of a young woman, first in a slave market and then in a pasha’s harem. This artistic masterpiece offered an escape, greatly appreciated by Eugène’s successors, the Prussians.
A Legacy of Prussian Influence
Following Napoleon’s fall in 1814, the Hôtel de Beauharnais was requisitioned and later sold to King William III of Prussia, one of Napoleon’s victors. To him, we owe the precious 1817 inventory, which allows the Hôtel de Beauharnais to maintain its faithfulness to the Empire style.
Among the Prussian guests was Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who, in 1862, preferred working in the Turkish boudoir, the only heated room in the building. Following the creation of the German Empire in 1871, the Hôtel de Beauharnais became the official residence of the German embassy until the end of World War II. In 1962, as a symbol of peace between France and Germany, President Charles de Gaulle “restituted” the building to Germany.
A Glimpse of History for the Privileged Few
The Hôtel de Beauharnais, while not open to the public, offers a rare opportunity for a select few to experience the grandeur of the Napoleonic era. Visits, limited to a small group, are available on the first two Mondays of the month, subject to the German ambassador’s schedule.
No photography is allowed, and visits are fully booked until June. Registrations, sometimes accompanied by a letter of motivation, are open online from the start of the school year.
Step into the Hôtel de Beauharnais and discover a world of history, opulence, and diplomatic intrigue, meticulously preserved for generations to come.
