Paris, August 2 – The City of Paris has put the prestigious Haviland private mansion, a 600-square-meter property in the 17th arrondissement, up for auction on the popular classifieds website Leboncoin. This unusual sale, with a starting price of 3.3 million euros, is a direct consequence of the city’s mounting debt and has ignited a heated debate among local politicians and heritage advocates.
A Historic Property on the Auction Block
The Hôtel Haviland, a neo-Gothic jewel located at 29 avenue de Villiers, boasts a monumental carved wooden staircase and is situated in immediate proximity to Parc Monceau. Built in 1880 by architect Jules Février for porcelain manufacturer Charles-Edward Haviland, the mansion has a rich history. It served as the Korean Embassy after World War II, housed the Claude Debussy Conservatory, and was home to the Maison de l’Europe between 2017 and 2024.
This is not the first attempt by the municipality to sell the property. On October 7 of the previous year, the City of Paris, already heavily indebted, tried to auction the mansion with a starting price of 4.5 million euros. At that time, the city deemed the property “neither useful nor necessary for the delivery of public services to Parisians.” However, that auction, organized by the Paris Chamber of Notaries, failed to attract a buyer despite several viewings.
Controversy and Concerns Over the Sale
The current starting price of 3.3 million euros, or 5,400 euros per square meter, is considered relatively low for the area and the type of property, leading to speculation that it could significantly increase during the bidding process. However, this lower price has not allayed concerns. Geoffroy Boulard, the LR mayor of the 17th arrondissement, had previously called for the suspension of the sale, arguing that the city was preparing to sell “a historical and cultural treasure” without genuine consultation or a project of general interest. The Paris Historique association also warned against the risks of “privatization” and “denaturation” of the site.
Paris’s Financial Woes Drive Asset Sales
The decision to sell the Hôtel Haviland underscores the financial challenges faced by the City of Paris. The municipality, grappling with significant debt, is increasingly looking to divest its assets to alleviate its financial burden. This strategy, however, is not without its critics, who argue that selling off historic properties could lead to a loss of public heritage and a lack of transparency in the sales process.
The mansion, which has been city property since 1978, is now awaiting its next owner. The outcome of this auction will be closely watched, not only for its financial implications for the City of Paris but also for its impact on the preservation of the city’s architectural and cultural legacy.
As the auction proceeds, the debate continues over the balance between financial necessity and the protection of Parisian heritage. The sale of the Hôtel Haviland serves as a stark reminder of the complex decisions facing urban administrations in managing their assets and debts.
