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
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.
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.
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.
