Residence of the Ambassador of the United Kingdom in France, Dame Menna Rawlings - Charost Hotel
The Charost Hotel has been the residence of the United Kingdom’s ambassadors since 1814. The Duke of Charost had this hotel built in 1722 by the architect Antoine Mazin who had just finished the Matignon hotel.
Left uninhabited during the Revolution, it was sold in 1803 by the widow of the fifth duke to Pauline Leclerc, a widow also, Napoleon Bonaparte’s favorite sister. During the eleven years in which she owned it, she had major works done. Even today, the residence boasts a beautiful collection of Empire furniture dating from this period.
In 1814 Charost’s hotel was purchased on behalf of the British government by the Duke of Wellington. He was the first ambassador to reside there, since the restoration of the monarchy by Louis XVIII that same year.
Behind the residence is an English lawn surrounded by flower borders, a peaceful haven in the heart of Paris.
For Heritage Days, we invite you to discover the sustainable initiatives implemented by the Embassy and immerse yourself in the heart of British culture. From its royal visits to its collection of contemporary art, the Ambassador’s Residence is full of stories to discover.
We look forward to welcoming you on the occasion of the Heritage Days. Please bring your ticket and respect the time indicated on it to enter the Residence.