Palais Bourbon

The Palais Bourbon is the seat of the French National Assembly, the lower legislative chamber of the French government. It is a palace located in Paris, France. Built at the beginning of 18th century by Louise Françoise de Bourbon, the legitimized daughter of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan, the work was entrusted to the Italian architect Giardini and approved by Hardouin Mansart; construction started in 1722. After Giardini's death in 1724, work was continued under Jacques Gabriel and finished in 1728. The palace was enlarged and transformed in 1765 by Louis Joseph of Bourbon, the prince of Condé, grandson of the duchess of Bourbon. Soufflot, who directed the work, introduced a degree of austerity into the original plans of Mansart and Gabriel. At the French Revolution, the Palais Bourbon was declared national property. It was little used at first but in 1795 was assigned to the Council of the Five Hundred, which met there from 1798. The chamber built for the Council was the first in France. The marquis de Lassay, whose support the duchess had relied upon in constructing the Palais Bourbon, had a mansion built near the palace. The Hôtel de Lassay is now the official residence of the president of the National Assembly.