Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

This pavilion, located in Libourne, is the last vestige of a large 15th century house formerly owned by the royal estate. It houses a remarkable staircase, surrounded by a turret with access to the floors. The entrance door, dating from the late seventeenth century, retains its original vantail and a characteristic oculus. Inside, the staircase with screws, crowned with a hexagonal vault, carries a shield carved in its key, symbol of its past prestige.

In 1650 Cardinal Mazarin stayed there during his visit to Libourne, accompanying King Louis XIV, Anne of Austria and the court. Nine years later, in 1659, he stopped there again, this time on his way to Saint-Jean-de-Luz to negotiate the king's marriage with the infant of Spain. These visits illustrate the strategic and symbolic importance of the site in modern times.

The structure underwent a major transformation in 1712: most of the old buildings, located on both sides of the turret, were demolished to give way to two new houses. Only the pavilion and its staircase were preserved, testifying today to medieval and classical architecture. The turret, classified as a Historic Monument in 1936, remains a protected heritage element, highlighting its historical and artistic value.

The current address, 19 rue du Président-Carnot, corresponds to the original location of the monument. The GPS coordinates and archives of the Merimée base confirm its location in Gironde, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, under the code Insee 33243. The accuracy of its location is considered satisfactory, facilitating its identification in the local heritage.

External links