Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France

The 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.

Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France has been named to these Historic Hotels Worldwide Top 25 Lists

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