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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The villa Le Castel, located at 50 rue Jean-Monnet (formerly Grande-Rue) in Touquet-Paris-Plage, is a unique example of neo-medieval architecture in the seaside resort. Built in 1904 by architect Henri Valette for Dr. Timmermans, it is distinguished by its style inspired by medieval castles, with a square turret, a corbelled schauguette and red brick facades. Originally named La Tourelle, it was the first villa erected on this street, marking the beginning of its urbanization.

The villa combines northern architectural elements, such as the sparrow-step gable, with medieval references, such as the cut-pan tower. Its originality also lies in its withdrawal from the road, surrounded by a garden girded with a bahut wall and a wrought iron gate. Since 2005, it has been transformed into apartments, while maintaining its facades and roofs protected since 1 December 1997 as historical monuments.

The villa's architecture is directly inspired by the Stang-al-Lin mansion in Concarneau, although on a more modest scale. This style, once well represented in the Touquet, makes it today a rare testimony of the era. The villa illustrates the influence of regional and historical architectures on the seaside constructions of the early twentieth century, a period of intense development of the resort.

The property, now owned by a private company, remains a symbol of local heritage. Its inclusion in the inventory of historical monuments underlines its importance in the urban history of Touquet-Paris-Plage, where it preceded many other residential buildings. The materials used, such as sand and slate brick, reflect the construction techniques of the time.

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