Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), Versailles

The City Hall is a blend of historical significance and architectural evolution. Although the current building isn’t very old, it retains much of the charm and design of the original structure, which dates back to the late 17th century. The original building was constructed in 1670 for the Marquis de Bellefonds, Bernadin Gigault, as a beautiful chateau with expansive grounds that stretched to the edge of the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.

The chateau’s ownership changed hands several times due to various historical events and personal vendettas. When the Royal Stables were built, the marquis sold the chateau to Philippe of Lorraine, the Chevalier de Lorraine, an infamous figure known for his relationship with Philippe, Duc d’Orleans, the brother of Louis XIV. However, in 1680, the Duke's wife managed to have the Chevalier imprisoned and subsequently banished, allowing Louis XIV to annex the chateau and gift it to his son, Louis de Bourbon, the Count of Vermandois. After the Count's death, his sister Marie-Anne, the Princess de Conti, inherited the chateau and used it as a venue for lavish parties that were the talk of Versailles.

The chateau’s grandeur diminished when it was sold to a speculator who stripped it of its opulent furnishings. In 1723, King Louis XV purchased the property for his Prime Minister, Louis-Hénri de Bourbon, who renovated it and opened the grounds to the public, facilitating access between the Saint Louis and Notre Dame districts. During the French Revolution, the chateau became the temporary seat of the Town Council, a role it retained, becoming the official City Hall in 1821.

By 1899, the original building had become too small to accommodate the needs of the growing city administration. The Mayor at the time, Edouard Lefbvre, decided to demolish the old chateau and commissioned Hénri le Grand to design and construct a new City Hall. This new building, based on the plans of the original chateau, continues to serve as a symbol of the city’s rich history and enduring architectural heritage.