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Origin and history

The Bonfontan hotel, built between 1768 and 1771 for the Marquis Philippe de Bonfontan, is an emblematic example of Toulouse's neo-classical architecture. Located at No. 41 on Croix-Baragnon Street, it has replaced an old building belonging to the Balbaria family since the 16th century. The Marquis, born of the Gascon nobility, negotiates with the capituls (municipal magistrates) an exchange of plots to widen the street, giving up part of its garden. The facade, made of stone and brick coated with lime to imitate the stone, and the wrought iron railings – works by master ironmaker Bernard Ortet (engraved signature "ORTE FECIT ANNO 1771") – illustrate the luxury of the Toulouse elites on the eve of the Revolution.

The construction takes place in a context of urban beautification, with the gradual adoption of whitening of facades (mandatory in Toulouse from 1783). The Marquis de Bonfontan, captain of the Navarre regiment and then capitoul (1786-1790), played an active role in the local political life, participating in the noble assemblies of 1787 and 1789. However, concerned by the revolutionary events, he emigrated in July 1793. The hotel, avant-garde in its "Greek" style combining neoclassicism and rock, retains an original cochère door, carved staples, and a modillon cornice.

Ranked as a historic monument in 1925 for its facade and ironwork, the hotel also bears witness to the innovative techniques of the era: the stone blocks are simulated by the slits carved in the brick, while the windows on the 1st floor, right in the middle, contrast with the rectangular openings of the 2nd. The more sober side façade overlooks the Rue des Trois Banquets. Inside, the central courtyard is framed by symmetrical wings, although the original plot has imposed adjustments, as a wing is narrow masking dissymmetry.

The architect remains anonymous, although Hyacinthe de Labat de Savignac has sometimes been mentioned. The Marquis, a fine strategist, would have strongly influenced the design. The Ortet ironworks, combining geometric motifs and foliage, are among the best preserved in Toulouse. Today, the hotel, closed to the public, remains a symbol of the aristocratic heritage of the city, between medieval heritage (family of Balbaria) and modernity of the Lights.

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