Can the Imperial Palace of Boulogne-sur-Mer be visited year round?

No, the interior is only open during heritage open days and guided summer tours.

Who built the Hôtel Desandrouins?

It was built in 1777 for the Viscount Desandrouins, designed by the architect Giraud Sannier.

What remains from the Napoleonic era inside?

The study and bedroom once used by Napoleon are preserved and furnished in period style.

Hôtel Desandrouins, dit aussi Palais Impérial

Boulogne-sur-Mer

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Where: Boulogne-sur-Mer

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Open within 20 km

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Hôtel Desandrouins, dit aussi Palais Impérial stands in Boulogne-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais), in the Hauts-de-France region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: second half of the 18th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Set in the upper town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, this 18th century mansion owes its fame to a Napoleonic episode: Bonaparte made it the headquarters of the Grande Armée's staff and stayed there several times, even hosting Tsar Alexander I. The neo-classical facade with its pediment faces the street, but the real interest lies inside, in the decorated staircase and the first-floor rooms, including the study and bedroom once used by the emperor, kept as they were.

Written from Palais impérial de Boulogne-sur-Mer

What to know

The interior cannot be visited freely; access is limited to heritage open days or guided tours organised in summer.
The building is a listed historic monument, protecting in particular the facades, the staircase and several first-floor rooms.
Visitors can see the study and bedroom once used by Napoleon, furnished in period style.
There are no regular opening hours or admission fees outside these exceptional openings.

Where this château is

Boulogne-sur-Mer · Pas-de-Calais · Hauts-de-France

Map of the area around Hôtel Desandrouins, dit aussi Palais Impérial

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

3 Pl. Godefroy de Bouillon, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer

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

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00108232
Period of construction: second half of the 18th century

Itineraries

Castles near Lille and the Belgian border: 2 days by car

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can the Imperial Palace of Boulogne-sur-Mer be visited year round?: No, the interior is only open during heritage open days and guided summer tours.
Why is this building called the Imperial Palace?: Because Napoleon made it the headquarters of the Grande Armée's staff and stayed there several times, with Empress Marie-Louise in 1810.
Who built the Hôtel Desandrouins?: It was built in 1777 for the Viscount Desandrouins, designed by the architect Giraud Sannier.
What remains from the Napoleonic era inside?: The study and bedroom once used by Napoleon are preserved and furnished in period style.