Passage du Saloir – Hôtel des Créneaux

What could possibly conceal the storm door of the Hôtel des Crénaux? From Rue Sainte-Catherine, the Passage du Saloir leads visitors to the delightful Place de la République where they can discover the courtyard and belfry of the Hôtel des Crénaux. Arched with rib vaults and supported by consoles sculpted into imaginary figures and animals, the 16th century hotel dates back to the time when salt was stored in cellars adjoining the passage where municipal magistrates were responsible for selling it to the people. With a magnificent 16th century façade, the Hôtel des Créneaux was home to the first city hall, followed by the headquarters of a court of law after the Revolution before finally housing the Orléans Fine Arts museum between 1825 and 1981.