1 - Introduction
Just like Marseille and Bordeaux, InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu is housed in a beautiful historic building, the Grand Hôtel-Dieu.
2 - Facade
Jacques-Germain Soufflot, a 25-year-old architect from the 18th century, drew up the plans of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu. Work began in 1741 but quickly stopped due to a lack of money.
3 - Statues
Unfortunately the original statues were destroyed. New ones were created by sculptors Prost and Charles during the 19th century.
4 - Reception / Conciergerie
In the Middle Ages, the construction of the floor gave the shape and appearance of the ceiling.
5 - Grand Dôme
Against all odds, the initial plans were changed and the Dôme was less imposing and less decorative than the one Soufflot imagined.
6 - Grand Dôme (J. P. Nuel)
I used the history of the site and its architecture to design Le Dôme, as the place was once a chapel.
7 - Grand Dôme (Donors)
Until WWI, the Grand Hôtel-Dieu was financially independent and this could be seen in different ways…
8 - Grand Dôme (Ligne Roset)
The time of development was the same required to complete a Ligne Roset furniture collection.
9 - Epona Restaurant
The restaurant takes its name from the Gallic goddess Epona, patroness of horses and travelers.
10 - Saint-Louis Courtyard (1)
The north part of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu was built between 1622 and 1637 and followed a “4 ranks plan”.
11 - Saint-Louis Courtyard (2)
There is a well in each courtyard. The one located in the outdoor terrace of the hotel dates back to the 18th century and is actually water pump.
12 - Cloister Courtyard
This is the oldest part of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu and surely one of the most beautiful and peaceful courtyards.
13 - Saint-Henri Courtyard
In 1841, this courtyard became the “kitchen courtyard”, with areas reserved for nursing sisters, pregnant women and children.
Click on image to enlarge. The start of the visit is infront of the hotel.