Our Story

Welcome to the Grand Hôtel d’Orléans, a family-owned and independent hotel that has been part of the Toulouse landscape for more than 170 years. Located opposite Toulouse Matabiau train station, our hotel has stood the test of time while remaining true to its original purpose: welcoming travellers passing through Toulouse.

Since 1956, the Hugounet family has looked after this hotel with the same passion for hospitality. Today, Brigitte and Céline Hugounet continue this family tradition, offering a warm, personalised and authentic welcome.

1856 –The Birth of the Grand Hôtel d’Orléans

The Grand Hôtel d’Orléans was built in 1856 by a Toulouse lace-maker. Since it first opened, the building has always served as a hotel.

Its name is no coincidence. It was built at the time when Matabiau train station and the railway line connecting Paris to Toulouse via Orléans were being developed.

The Grand Hôtel d’Orléans quickly became a popular place to stay for travellers arriving in the Ville Rose.

1956 – A New Family Adventure

In 1956, the hotel was purchased by Édouard Hugounet, the grandfather of Brigitte and Céline Hugounet.

At the time, Édouard Hugounet ran France Spectacles, a company specialising in the production of live shows. This business regularly brought artists, musicians and other personalities to Toulouse, quickly making the Grand Hôtel d’Orléans a well-known address.

1969 – The Birth of La Ripaille Brasserie

In 1969, the family opened La Ripaille, the brasserie of the Grand Hôtel d’Orléans.

Originally, it mainly welcomed touring artists as well as journalists from the daily newspaper La Dépêche, whose headquarters were located on Rue Bayard, just a few steps from the hotel.

Over the years, La Ripaille became a true Toulouse institution, renowned for its generous and convivial French cuisine.

1972 – A New Generation Joins the Adventure

In 1972, Jean Hugounet, Brigitte and Céline’s father, joined the family business.

At that time, La Ripaille was exceptionally busy: the restaurant was open 24 hours a day, employed nearly 60 people and remained open throughout the night until 1992.

A short time later, Colette Hugounet, a trained accountant, also joined the business and played an active role in its development.

1987 – A Major Transformation

To provide guests with even greater comfort, extensive renovation work was carried out in 1987.

All the rooms were completely renovated, a lift was installed and the entire building was modernised, while preserving the charm of this historic family home.

2013 – The Third Generation

In 2013, Brigitte and Céline Hugounet officially took over the management of the Grand Hôtel d’Orléans. True to the values passed down by their parents and grandparents, they have continued to develop the hotel with the same ambition: preserving the family spirit of the establishment while meeting the expectations of today’s travellers.

The Grand Hôtel d’Orléans remains an independent hotel where hospitality, conviviality and a personal connection with guests are at the heart of every stay.

A Hotel Looking to the Future

While our history spans more than 170 years, our eyes are firmly set on the future.

Aware of today’s environmental challenges, we are committed every day to reducing the impact of our activities and promoting more responsible tourism.

This commitment has earned us the Green Key certification, the leading sustainable tourism certification for tourist accommodation.