On June 15, 2026, La Poste (the French postal service) issued a stamp to commemorate the 99th Congress of the French Federation of Philatelic Associations (FFAP), featuring the Hôtel de Soubise in Paris.
Located in the heart of the Marais district, the Hôtel de Soubise exudes the refined elegance of a grand Parisian aristocratic residence, a witness to several centuries of political and artistic history. Built from 1705 onwards on the site of the Hôtel de Clisson, whose imposing fortified gate still stands, it became the prestigious residence of the Rohan-Soubise princes, one of the most influential families in the kingdom.
Designed by the architect Pierre-Alexis Delamair, the hôtel adopts a classic U-shaped plan around a courtyard, separated from the Rue des Francs-Bourgeois by a simple stone façade. At the rear, the gardens offer a welcome respite in the heart of the city. Remarkably understated, the main building features the same columns as the peristyle of the courtyard. Elegant allegorical sculptures adorn its projecting section and cornice.
While the exterior is restrained, the interiors reveal exceptional splendor, reaching its zenith in the 1730s. Decorated by Germain Boffrand, the famous oval salons of the prince and princess embody one of the masterpieces of the Rococo style. Stucco work, carved woodwork, mirrors, and paintings by Boucher, Natoire, and Van Loo create an exquisitely light décor, breaking with the classical order of the façade in favor of an intimate and fluid aesthetic. Marshal de Soubise, a close friend of Louis XV, resided in this palace, one of the finest architectural ensembles in Paris.
During the French Revolution, the building was confiscated and assigned to the National Archives, which it still houses today. Open to the public, the Hôtel de Soubise now combines heritage, history and artistic creation. It offers visitors a unique journey into the heart of aristocratic lifestyle and the nation's memory.
