On Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, eyes naturally turn to the Élysée Palace. Yet, a few doors farther down, another building catches the eye of heritage enthusiasts: the Hôtel de Charost. It is one of the most prestigious diplomatic residences in Paris.
Luxuriously appointed salons, grand staircases, a tree-lined garden and historic furnishings come together in an exceptional complex where for more than two centuries diplomats, monarchs, heads of state and global luminaries have crossed paths. Always occupied by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to France, the Hôtel de Charost remains a living site at the heart of the Franco-British relations. Usually closed to the public, it reveals its treasures only on very rare occasions.
The Hôtel de Charost was erected between 1720 and 1722 for Paul de Beauvilliers, the Duke of Saint-Aignan, based on plans by architect Antoine Mazin. At that period, the Faubourg Saint-Honoré was fast becoming one of Parisian aristocracy’s most coveted neighborhoods. A few decades later, the residence was acquired by Paul François Jean Nicolas de Barras, before passing through a succession of owners.
In 1803, it was purchased by Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister. Enchanted by the elegance of the place, she undertook substantial embellishment work and transformed the residence into a genuine Empire-style palace. The decorations created at that time remain among the property’s most remarkable features to this day.
In the wake of Napoleon’s defeat, the British government sought a permanent home for its ambassador in Paris. In 1814, the Hôtel de Charost was acquired by the British Crown. Since then, it has remained the official residence of all United Kingdom ambassadors to France, making it one of the oldest continuously used British diplomatic residences in the world.
Over the decades, it has become the stage for numerous diplomatic encounters, international negotiations, and official receptions that bring together sovereigns, presidents of the Republic, and heads of government.
The Hôtel de Charost enchants as much with its architecture as with its collections. Visitors discover salons decorated with 18th-century woodwork, marble fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, and period furniture, to which numerous works of British art are added. Each ambassador has helped enrich the place, while ensuring the historic harmony of the residence is preserved.
Among its highlights are portraits of sovereigns, tableaux de maîtres, du mobilier ancien, and several objects recalling the historical links between France and the United Kingdom. The jardin, tucked behind the residence, is one of the largest private gardens in the Faubourg-Saint-Honoré district.
For over two centuries, the Hôtel de Charost has stood as a discreet witness to countless chapters of Franco-British history. From negotiations tied to the Napoleonic Wars to commemorations of the two world wars, including visits by Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, and many British prime ministers, this residence remains one of the enduring symbols of the ties between the two nations.
Even today, it continues to host official receptions, diplomatic meetings, cultural events, and ceremonies organized by the British Embassy.
Yes, but only during exceptional openings. Hôtel de Charost is not open to the public for regular tours, as it remains the official residence of the British ambassador to France and a functioning diplomatic site. That said, the British Embassy regularly participates in the European Heritage Days!
These free tours are incredibly popular and usually require advance booking. Periodically, the embassy also hosts cultural events, lectures, and exhibitions that are available by registration. But outside of these occasions, the Hôtel de Charost remains one of Paris's finest diplomatic residences, whose doors open only a few days a year!
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Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Monday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Tuesday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Thursday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Friday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Saturday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Sunday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Location
Hotel de Charost
37 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris 8
Route planner
Access
Metro 1, 8 or 12 Concorde
These Paris spots people think are closed… but you can actually visit them (and here’s how).
