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Origin and history

The Pesche pharmacy, located in Alençon, Orne, is a former pharmacy founded in 1830, integrated into a 19th century mansion. It is distinguished by its preserved interior decor, including nearly 500 jars and painted ceilings, as well as a late neo-classical frontage typical of the years 1820-1830. The building, adorned with cast iron balconies, extends over four streets and retains architectural elements.

The site's history dates back to 1795, when Thomas Guibé, a canvas wholesaler, acquired the building of the heirs of the priest Étienne Camusat Sainte Croix. When he died in 1818, his widow left a considerable estate, sold in 1827 to Charles Désiré Petithomme. The latter divided the property in 1832: the part corresponding to the current pharmacy was purchased by the former notary Jean-Jacques Corbière, whose son-in-law, Pierre-Charles Duroy, installed an office there.

The pharmacy changed hands several times: taken over by Adolphe-Henri Dutertre in 1875, rented to Charles Boulard in 1882 and acquired by Raoul Pesche in 1902. The latter specializes in traditional apothecary practices until 1953. His daughter, Madeleine Pesche, maintained the activity until 1980 and obtained registration for the site at the Historical Monuments in 1987. After decades of abandonment, restoration work began in 2018 to preserve interior decors, partly financed by public subsidies.

The oval interior of the pharmacy, decorated with pilasters and murals depicting palms and amphoras, is a rare testimony of the 19th century pharmaceutical craftsmanship. The painted ceiling includes a mythological scene above the entrance. Despite its lack of occupation between 1980 and 2009, the site now benefits from a renovation aimed at adapting its spaces, while preserving their historic authenticity.

Recent historical research has documented structural disorders, particularly over ceilings, and considered re-use of the site as offices. The cost of the works, estimated at €90 000, illustrates the commitment of the local authorities (city, DRAC, department) to safeguard this unique heritage, symbol of the apothecary know-how and bourgeois architecture of Alençonnaise.

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