Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France
Angouleme, France
Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France
1 place des halles centrales, Angouleme, France, 16000 Original Property Opened in 1600 Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2019The illustrious history of the Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France dates back to the 16th century, when Guillaume Guez, mayor of Angoulême, constructed the building as a symbol of his wealth and success. Guillaume and his wife, Marie Nesmond, purchased the area of Balzac, where Guillaume built the Castle of Balzac. Shortly after, he was ennobled and became Guillaume Guez de Balzac. On June 1, 1597, Guillaume and his wife welcomed a son into the world. Thier son, Jean-Louis Guez de Balzac, became a prominent French writer and was known widely across France for his outstanding contributions to French literature. Today, Jean-Louis Guez de Balzac is chiefly known for his collection of letters, which was first published in 1624. Guez de Balzac is championed for the elegance and harmony of his writing, which had not previously been seen in French prose. Many consider his writings to demonstrate the true mastery of incorporating clarity and precision into French prose, which encouraged the development of the French language. Guez de Balzac went on to reach much acclaim in his life, so much so that in 1962, he had a school named after him, Lycée Guez de Balzac of Angoulême, and he was selected as the first member of the French Academy, created by Cardinal Richelieu.
Today, the Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France offers guests comfortable, fully-equipped guestrooms and suites in the heart of the city. These charming accommodations feature historic portraits of King François I alongside modern furnishings, and guests can relax in style in the former home of the Guez de Balzac family. Guests can enjoy a room with a view of the park overlooking the town walls.
Discover
- Discover the brilliant Belle Époque architecture that defines the façade of the Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France. The illustrious Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France was first constructed in the 1700s as the home of Guillaume Guez, a mayor of the city.
- Admire the grand ramparts that encompass Angoulême. Originally constructed by the Romans some 1,500 years ago, these ancient fortifications are now a series of interlocking pathways that thousands of visitors walk upon every year.
- Gaze upon the surrounding historical architecture of Angoulême’s Upper Town. The Upper Town is the commune’s most historic neighborhood, as it is still lined with the with structures that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Perhaps its most famous destination is the Avenue Georges Clemenceau and its many celebrated shops.
Explore
- Explore Angoulême Cathedral just moments from the Mecure Angoulême Hotel de France. Known more formally as the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre d'Angoulême, this wonderful Romanesque-style building has stood in downtown Angoulême since the 12th century.
- Visit the Hôtel de Ville Angoulême a mere block away. This fantastic historic site was once an imposing medieval castle that protected the denizens of Angoulême throughout the 12th and 13th centuries. It is even alleged that the sister of King Francis I, Marguerite de Navarre, was born inside the Hôtel de Ville Angoulême.
- Travel to the Musée du Papier nearby. Now dedicated to showcasing the region’s extensive history of papermaking, the Musée de Papier originally opened as a factory in 1887. It became one of the most successful paper manufacturing centers in the area due to its proximity to the purified waters of the Charente River.
Experience
- Experience the amazing exhibits at the Musée d'Angoulême. Located next to the Angoulême Cathedral, the Musée d’Angoulême features a stunning collection of artifacts that chronicles the area’s extensive history. The museum specifically has ancient Gallic Celtic art, as well as objects that date to the Bronze Age.
- Attend a thrilling theatrical performance at the Angoulême Theater – National Science. Guests are certain to enjoy the wealth of live performances that it entertains from jazz concerts to operatic recitals.
- Stroll through the Musée de la Bande Dessinée right across the Charente River. This spectacular destination displays some of the finest artwork by modern comic-book illustrators, such as Charles M. Schulz, Goscinny, and Hergé.
Taste
- Savor beloved snack called a “Fouée.” Reminiscent to pita, foucée is a round, airy bread found throughout western France. Many native to Angoulême often fill fouée with everything from olive tapenade to pork rillettes.
- Taste a wonderful French treat known as a “crêpe.” Usually sweet or savory in flavor, a crêpe is a type of thin pancake that is commonly served as street food. While some chefs prepare their crêpes with all kinds of fillings, the most routine way to prepare the dish is with a light coating of sugar.
- Delight in the local cuisine sold at the Les Halles Market. This stunning, glass-enclosed facility is located right in the center of Angoulême, and features a stunning variety of cheeses, yogurts, and other delicacies.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
