Where to find the Texas Embassy in Paris?

Did you know that a carving on a façade indicates where the Texas Embassy in Paris used to be? Let me show you the exact location of this surprising historical twist.

When Texas was an independent republic

In 1836, the Mexican province of Tejas declared its independence from Mexico. This historic event was called the Texas Revolution. Mexico refused to recognise the independence of the lost territory, unlike the United States, which did in March 1837.

Needless to say, Mexico did not agree to the boundaries with the new state. Therefore the independent Republic of Texas sought to tie international alliances with countries such as England and France.

On December 29, 1845, Texas was annexed by the United States and ceased to be an independent country. It then became the 28th state of the Union.

Where to find the former Texas Embassy in Paris?

What is commonly referred to as a Texas Embassy in Paris was, in fact, a Legation. This meant a diplomatic mission managed by someone with a lower-ranking official than an ambassador.

The exact site of the Texas Legation in Paris is at 1 Place Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement. Known as Hôtel Bataille de Francès, the mansion dating from 1705 has a carving on its wall that indicates where the Legation used to be. It reads:

Embassy of Texas
In 1842-1843 this building was the seat of the Embassy of the Republic of Texas in Paris.
By the French-Texan Treaty of 29 September 1839, France was the first nation to recognise the Republic of Texas, an independent state between 1836 and 1845.

The first chargé d’affaires appointed by France in 1839 was Alphonse Dubois de Saligny.

In turn, France opened a Legation in Austin, not far from the current Texas Capitol building.

There was also a Texas Legation in London, located in Pickering Place near St. James’ Palace.

English-French vocabulary

Check out google map for the exact location of the Texas Embassy in Paris. Closest métro station: Tuileries (line 1)

Do you know of other offbeat places in the 1st arrondissement of Paris? Share them with us by commenting below!

Where to stay in the 1st arrondissement?

Hotels in Paris vary from stunning luxurious places like the Ritz and the Meurice to much simpler hotels in charming older parts of the city. However, due to its central location, you will find the level of prices of all types of accommodation relatively high in the 1st arrondissement. Depending on your budget, you might want to find cheaper accommodation further away from the hyper centre of Paris!

The district has more than 70 hotels totalling over 4,000 rooms. Of these, eleven are 5-star hotels, including some of the most famous:

• the Hôtel Meurice
• the Hôtel du Louvre
• the Ritz (Place Vendôme)
• the Hôtel Costes
• the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal
• the Hôtel Régina

Here is a map showing the nearest accommodation:

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