Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Moorish villa, located 19 boulevard Carnot in Vichy (Allier, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), was built in 1897. Initiated by architect Henry Décoret, it was completed by Antoine Percilly. This building is distinguished by its richly decorated facade with polychrome tiles and bricks, evoking Arabic art through geometric and floral motifs. The central span, decorated with a dressing room and a dome balcony, breaks with local architectural codes.

The building consists of an elevated ground floor, a floor and attic pierced with skylights. A pole, closed by a grid, precedes the entrance. Inside, a wooden staircase with balustrade serves the levels. The villa illustrates the end-of-century enthusiasm for exoticism, while remaining an isolated case in the vichyssois thermal landscape. Its originality earned it an inscription in historical monuments on 4 March 1991.

Triangular or square ceramics form Greeks, interlaces and rosettes, creating a striking contrast with modillon cornices. The central skylight, with a dome, emphasizes the verticality of the composition. This mix of styles, between local tradition and Moorish inspiration, makes this villa a unique testimony to the architectural eclecticism of the time.

Vichy, a fast-growing spa in the late 19th century, attracted an easy clientele seeking prestige. The Moorish villa, commissioned by an unidentified owner in the sources, reflects this desire for social distinction. Its inscription in 1991 underscores its heritage value, both for its aesthetics and for its exceptional character in the region.

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