Groslot house

The Hôtel Groslot, in Orléans

The Hôtel Groslot is a magnificent Renaissance private mansion of Orléans, built in the sixteenth century by the bailiff of the king. The Orléans audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this elegant brick residence, witness of the royal power and the history of the town, which welcomed several kings of France.

The residence of the king's bailiff

Here is the magnificent Hôtel Groslot. It was built in the sixteenth century by Mr Groslot, who was the bailiff of the king. The bailiff of the king was the one who represented him on a territory, to clearly recall his presence and his authority facing the other local powers, like the bishops, the lords or the municipalities. To affirm his rank and his success, Groslot had this sumptuous residence built in the Renaissance style, then at its apogee in France. The building, in red brick enhanced with stone, charms by its elegance, its turrets, its double-flight perron and its refined decors, typical of the architecture of this period. A prestige residence, the mansion welcomed over its history illustrious guests, including several kings of France who stayed there during their passages in Orléans, a strategic town of the kingdom. It is here, it is said, that the young king François II died. Become later town hall, the building keeps an official and reception function. With its garden and its setting, it is one of the finest witnesses of the Renaissance heritage of Orléans. A Renaissance residence and a witness of the royal power, the Hôtel Groslot is a fine stop of the discovery of the town.

What to see

You admire the magnificent Renaissance private mansion built in the sixteenth century by Mr Groslot, bailiff of the king who represented his authority on the territory; in red brick enhanced with stone, with its turrets, its double-flight perron and its refined decors, this prestige residence welcomed several kings of France and became later town hall. The Hôtel Groslot is a Renaissance jewel of Orléans. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Hôtel Groslot lies in the heart of Orléans, near the cathedral, reachable on foot. You admire its façade and its garden; certain halls can be visited according to their own hours and conditions, which vary, outside the official ceremonies. It is best to check them before coming.

Who built the Hôtel Groslot in Orléans?

Mr Groslot, the bailiff of the king, who represented him on the territory facing the other local powers; he had built in the sixteenth century this sumptuous Renaissance residence in brick enhanced with stone, that welcomed several kings of France during their passages in Orléans and became later town hall.

Where is the Hôtel Groslot in Orléans?

In the heart of Orléans, near the cathedral, in France.