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An hôtel particulier is a large French townhouse, usually freestanding, set between an entrance court and a garden.
Hôtels particuliers typically have at least three stories, with steep Mansard roofs and tall, narrow windows that give them an elegant and sophisticated look.
Historic hôtels particuliers often have perpendicular wings, which originally housed kitchens and stables, extending from the main house along the sides of the entrance court.
Most large French cities are home to hôtels particuliers, but those featured in design publications are usually in Paris.
We had a choice between a high-rise apartment and an hôtel particulier. We chose the latter for its lovely garden and tall Mansard roof.