Every year, thousands of visitors pass through the doors of the Palais Bourbon to discover the hemicycle where deputies sit, but how many know that behind this iconic center of French democracy lies a second palace, just as remarkable?
Linked to the Palais Bourbon by a gallery, the Hôtel de Lassay is an elegant hôtel particulier and the official residence of the President of the National Assembly. It is here that diplomatic receptions, talks with heads of state, institutional meetings, and official ceremonies are held.
Usually off-limits, the Hôtel de Lassay nevertheless houses some of the most beautiful interiors of 18th‑century Paris and remains one of the capital's most refined seats of power.
The history of the Hôtel de Lassay begins in 1722, when Armand de Madaillan de Lesparre, the Marquis of Lassay, decides to have a residence built near that of his mistress, Louise-Françoise de Bourbon, the legitimized daughter of Louis XIV. She has the Palais Bourbon erected, while the Marquis commissions his own townhouse on the neighboring plot.
The two buildings were conceived as a harmonious whole and are quickly connected to one another, allowing the marquis to reach the palace discreetly. Over the decades, the two residences evolve together and become inseparable fixtures in the landscape of the faubourg Saint-Germain.
The French Revolution profoundly reshapes the fate of the Hôtel de Lassay. After several changes of use, the Palais Bourbon becomes, under the Directory, the seat of the legislative power. The Hôtel de Lassay is gradually integrated into the workings of the Assembly before becoming, in the 19th century, the official residence of its president.
Since then, every president of the National Assembly has had an appartement de fonction there and has hosted France's top officials and foreign dignitaries.
Behind its relatively sober facade lies a succession of salons d'un raffinement exceptionnel. Carved woodwork, dorures, plafonds peints, crystal chandeliers, tapestries and period furnishings compose a decor worthy of Paris's grandest palaces. Several rooms are listed as titre des monuments historiques and testify to the good taste of the 18th-century aristocracy.
Among the most remarkable spaces are the Games Salon, the Four Columns Salon, the grand reception rooms and the formal dining room, where official luncheons are held. These interiors still provide the backdrop for diplomatic meetings, protocol signings and receptions of foreign delegations.
But one of the Hôtel de Lassay's most underappreciated treasures is undoubtedly its garden. Hidden from view, this elegant landscaped space stretches between the townhouse and the Palais Bourbon. A true haven of peace, it contrasts with the daily political bustle that animates the neighboring buildings.
From its terrasses, the view of the hotel's classical façades evokes the grand demeures aristocratiques du 18ᵉ siècle. This garden is today used for official receptions and certain ceremonial events. Few Parisians know that such a verdant jewel exists in the heart of the Invalides district!
Yes, but only on exceptional opening days. The Hôtel de Lassay is not accessible as part of the National Assembly’s standard tours. The reception rooms and the official apartments are reserved for protocol activities and the residence of the presiding officer of the National Assembly. However, the European Heritage Days regularly offer an opportunity to discover the Hôtel de Lassay!
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Location
Hôtel de Lassay
rue de l'Université
75007 Paris 7
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These Paris spots people think are closed… but you can actually visit them (and here’s how).
