Can you visit the former bishop's palace in Orléans?

The building now serves as an annex of the media library, so it is not open for standard tourist visits like a typical monument.

Who built the episcopal palace of Orléans?

It was built between 1635 and 1641, though the architect's identity is not firmly established.

Why is the building also called Hôtel Dupanloup?

The name comes from Rue Félix Dupanloup, where it stands, referring to one of Orléans' well-known bishops.

Did Georges Bataille live in this building?

Yes, he lived there from 1951 after being appointed head librarian of the Orléans municipal library.

Ancien évêché, puis bibliothèque municipale, actuellement annexe de la médiathèque

Orléans

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Where: Orléans

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Ancien évêché, puis bibliothèque municipale, actuellement annexe de la médiathèque stands in Orléans (Loiret), in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 17th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

In Orléans, the former episcopal palace, commonly known as the Hôtel Dupanloup, presents its classical 17th-century façade on Rue Félix Dupanloup. Home to the city's bishops until 1905, it later housed the municipal library before becoming an annex of the media library. Its main courtyard still holds an equestrian bronze statue of Joan of Arc, and the writer Georges Bataille once lived there while serving as head librarian.

Written from Palais épiscopal d'Orléans

What to know

The building is a listed historic monument, which protects its façades, roofs and garden.
It dates from the 17th century and its architect remains uncertain, possibly Jacques Lemercier or Pierre Le Muet.
The site now serves as an annex of the local media library, which limits access to that specific use.
No verified information on opening hours, admission fees or accessibility is currently available.

Where this château is

Orléans · Loiret · Centre-Val de Loire

Map of the area around Ancien évêché, puis bibliothèque municipale, actuellement annexe de la médiathèque

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

1 Pl. Gambetta, 45000 Orléans

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 2 38 68 45 45

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00098848
Period of construction: 17th century

Frequently asked

Can you visit the former bishop's palace in Orléans?: The building now serves as an annex of the media library, so it is not open for standard tourist visits like a typical monument.
Who built the episcopal palace of Orléans?: It was built between 1635 and 1641, though the architect's identity is not firmly established.
Why is the building also called Hôtel Dupanloup?: The name comes from Rue Félix Dupanloup, where it stands, referring to one of Orléans' well-known bishops.
Did Georges Bataille live in this building?: Yes, he lived there from 1951 after being appointed head librarian of the Orléans municipal library.