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Origin and history

The tomb of Agnes Souret, located in the communal cemetery of Espelette (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), is an Art Deco funerary monument erected in the second quarter of the 20th century. She honours the memory of the first winner of the Miss France competition in 1920, who died prematurely in 1928 at the age of 26. This monument, classified as an inventory of Historic Monuments since 2006, is distinguished by its architectural style inspired by ancient edicles, combining pink marble and a decorative stained glass.

The sculptor Lucien Danglade, a student of Charles Despiau, is the author of this work commissioned after the death of Agnes Souret. The tomb, owned by the municipality of Espelette, illustrates the influence of the artistic currents of the 1920s, mixing modernity and classic references. Its inscription in the title of Historic Monuments underlines its heritage value, both for its aesthetics and for its connection to the history of beauty competitions in France.

Espelette, emblematic village of the Basque Country, houses this monument in a cemetery whose location is considered satisfactory a priori (note 7/10). The official address referenced in the Mérimée base (64250 Espelette) confirms its territorial anchor, between local memory and national heritage. No information is available on its current accessibility or possible organised visits.

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