Detail of Bourgtheroulde Hotel copyright French Moments

Last Updated: 5 March 2020

The Bourgtheroulde Mansion is one of the finest Flamboyant Gothic house in the historic town of Rouen. Dating from the 16th century, it now houses a luxury hotel.


Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde in Rouen

Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Rouen © French Moments
Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Rouen © French Moments

The magnificent Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde (pronounced ‘Bourtroud’) is situated on the Place de la Pucelle, not far from the Place du Vieux-Marché. The Flamboyant Gothic mansion was designed in the 16th century to serve as a residence to Guillaume II le Roux, Lord Bourgetheroude and member of the Exchequer of Normandy, in order to reflect the Lord’s respectable rank. Although dominantly Flamboyant Gothic, there are some Renaissance influences visible from the courtyard.

It is best to walk across the Place de la Pucelle to appreciate and contrast the sober facade of the entrance pavilion.

Place de la Pucelle and Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde © French Moments
Place de la Pucelle and Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde © French Moments

At the rear of the courtyard, the main building displays richer decoration and there is a beautiful hexagonal tower. The Renaissance features include six wide basket-handle arches which stand above a base composed of two levels. Observe on the central panel Kings François I and Henry VIII of England greeting each other in the presence of a long procession of dignitaries. Just beneath the roof, bas-reliefs illustrate the allegorical Triumphs of Petrach.

Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Rouen © French Moments
Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Rouen © French Moments

The north wing itself was entirely rebuilt after a fire in the 18th century.

The Second World War did not spare the mansion which was mostly destroyed by the Allied bombs and was rebuilt identically in the aftermath of the war. After having housed a bank for many years, it became a 5 star hotel in the 2010s.

The inner courtyard is open to group visits on mornings only. Check at the Rouen Tourist Information Centre for more information.


 

Gems of Paris by French Moments
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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