Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel de Briet is a special residence located in the old town of La Réole, Gironde, in the heart of New Aquitaine. Built in the 17th century, as evidenced by the date of 1662 engraved above the entrance door, this building is distinguished by its pediment adorned with a sun, symbolizing the name of its original owner, Monsieur de Briet. The gate of the courtyard and the curved balconies on the first floor are the work of ironmaker Blaise Charlut, adding a remarkable artistic touch to the structure.

The house body, finished with a terrace with Louis XIV stone balusters, features skylights decorated with bossed stones and pediments. The openings of the first floor, modified in the 18th century, are rounded and have central staples, while the balconies and window woodwork appear to date from the Restoration. Inside, Louis XV woodwork and a porch on the ground floor, surmounted by a wrought iron imposte, complete this rich architectural ensemble.

The building was listed as a historic monument in 1965, recognizing its heritage value. Its location, north of the old town, on Verdun Street, makes it a crossing point between the old town hall and the departmental hospital. Architectural details, such as the niche surmounted by a vase and a sun above the door, reflect the influence of Louis XIV and Louis XV styles, typical of bourgeois mansions of the time.

Today, the Briet Hotel remains a valuable testimony to local history and the evolution of architectural techniques between the 17th and 19th centuries. Its classification and preservation allow to preserve a part of the girondin heritage, while offering an overview of the lifestyles and artistic tastes of the regional elites under the Old Regime and beyond.

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