Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Rouen

The Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde is a historic building with roots going back to the late 15th century. Originally commissioned by William II Rufus, Lord of Bourgtheroulde, this mansion was built in the Louis XII style, bridging the gap between flamboyant Gothic and the early French Renaissance. After William II's death, his son, William III, continued the work, adding significant embellishments, including the Aumale gallery in the inner courtyard, which showcases Renaissance sculptures of exceptional quality. This gallery includes depictions of the historic meeting between Francis I of France and Henry VIII of England at the Camp of the Cloth of Gold.

The building has not been without its trials; it was partially damaged during the "red week" of April 1944 and further hit by bombing in August of the same year, leading to significant loss of its original interior and sculptural elements. Despite these setbacks, the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde remains a significant landmark in Rouen, with its façades and roofs earning classification as a historic monument since 1924. Over time, it underwent several modifications, including a major restructuring into a luxury hotel, which opened in April 2010. While much of the interior has been altered, the building's historical importance and architectural legacy continue to make it one of Rouen's key points of interest.