| The building where today one finds La Villa Florentine was built in the 16th century on two lots of lands. Since 1707, the building accommodated La Maison de Providence belonging to religious Trinitarians, established by Louise-Blanche-Thérèse de BALLON. They had the responsibility of educating poor young girls until the age of 20, so that at their departure from the Providence they were able to earn a living. The chapel building, where you now have the hotel reception, was built between 1736 and 1741. In 1804 the Poor Girls of the Providence left the hill to set up on the Presquîle. The future Villa was henceforth occupied by La Maison des Jeunes Filles Convalescentes who undertook the construction of the building between the Chapel and the South terrace. The kindness and good deeds of Les Jeunes Filles Convalescentes who became owners of the property in 1903, preserved the building until 1984. |