Hôtel de Coislin

In this building on February 6th 1778, Conrad A. Gerard, in the name of Louis XVI, King of France, and Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane and Arthur Lee on behalf of the United States, signed the Treaties of Friendship, Commerce and Alliance by which France recognized the independence of the United States. This treaty provided mutual military support and eternal peace between the two countries. The plaque honoring Benjamin Franklin can still be seen at the corner of rue Royale. The text of the plaque reads as follows :
In this building, on February 6, 1778, Conrad A. Gérard, in the name of Louis XVI, king of France, Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, Arthur Lee on behalf of the United States, signed the Treaties of Frienship, Commerce and Alliance by which France, first of all nations, recognized the independence of the United States.