Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel de Vaurs, located between Chaudordy Street and the Jewish street in Agen, is mentioned as early as 1566 in the cadastral archives. On that date, it belonged to Gerauld Michel, dit Ferron, a wealthy Aganese merchant who had acquired it from Jacques de Vaurs, a member of a former local family. The construction of the hotel probably took place during the reign of Henry II or at the end of that of Francis I, reflecting the architectural influence of the Renaissance.

In the 17th century, the hotel changed its hands: it was owned by the heirs of Jean de Monmejan in 1658 and sold in 1765 to the heirs of humanist Scaliger. This transaction marks a turning point because the building is transformed into a prison, causing significant damage. His destiny changed again in 1876, when the municipality of Agen, together with the Hotel d'Estrades, assigned him to the newly created Museum of Fine Arts.

Ranked a historic monument in 1903, the Vaurs hotel benefited from restorations led by Leopold Payen. This work preserved its Renaissance characteristics while integrating it into the municipal cultural project. Today, it bears witness to both the architectural history of Agen and its museum heritage, linked to the local Academic Society founded in the 19th century.

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