Villa Motais-de-Narbonne

Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Villa Motais-de-Narbonne is a remarkable house on the island of La Réunion, built in 1820 in downtown Saint-Pierre. Inspired by neoclassicism, this building was initially commissioned by Laurent Philippe Robin, pharmacist and then owner of a sugar factory at La Ravine Blanche. Its architecture reflects the influence of local elites linked to the sugar economy, characteristic of this colonial period.

The property changed hands over time: it belonged in particular to the Chabrier family, owner of the Gol sugar estate, before being acquired in 1911 by the Motais family of Narbonne, who gave it its present name. The latter retained ownership until 1980. Since 1989, the villa has been included in the additional inventory of Historic Monuments and is home to the sub-prefecture of Saint Peter.

The building, surrounded by a park and gardens, illustrates Creole architectural heritage while testifying to the economic and administrative history of Reunion. His inscription in the title of Historic Monuments highlights his heritage value, both for his style and for his role in local history. Today the villa remains a symbol of the colonial and sugar past of the island.

External links