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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The prefecture hotel of the Deux-Sèvres, located in Niort, is built in the 19th century to house the prefectural services of the department. The project was born in 1828 when Martignac signed the act authorizing the transfer by the city of Niort of the former Garden of Plants, a land intended to accommodate this new building. The Niortian architect Pierre-Théophile Segretain (1798-1864), then a young professional, drew the plans between 1828 and 1833, giving the building a central structure in the shape of U, later framed by lateral wings.

The initial works (1828-1833) created a sober central body, marked by a triangular front porch and a marquise protecting the entrance. The Tuscan (ground floor) and ionic (floor) orders structure the facades, while a carved tympanum allegorically represents the Deux-Sèvres. In 1894, architect Mongeaud added two north and south wings, completing the courtyard with a gate. At the back, an outposted porch leans on a terrace, surmounted by a triangular pediment.

The interior reveals a refined decoration in the central body: monumental entrance hall, living rooms enfilade with gypseries and golden or boxed ceilings, decorated with paintings. The central living room on the floor, decorated in 1867 by painter Lecoq, illustrates the artistic ambition of the project. Partly listed as historical monuments in 1987, the building retains protected features such as facades, vestibule, and three remarkable salons.

Formerly owned by the city, the site became departmental after the donation of 1828. Its location on the former garden of the Plants, now integrated into the city centre of Niort (2 Rue Duguesclin), recalls its link with the local urban and administrative history. The prefecture thus embodies the architectural and political evolution of the Deux-Sèvres in the 19th century.

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