Château Laurens, Agde

In the charming town of Agde, nestled in the Hérault department of southern France, stands a hidden gem of architectural and historical splendor: Château Laurens. This eclectic edifice, also known as Villa Laurens, is a testament to the artistic fervor and opulent lifestyle of its creator, Emmanuel Laurens. Built starting in 1898, the château is a mesmerizing blend of Art Nouveau, Neo-Grecian, Egyptian, and Orientalist styles, making it a unique and captivating destination for visitors.

The Visionary Behind the Château

Emmanuel Laurens was born into a family of master masons with a rich history in Agde. His father was an engineer, and his uncle served as the town's architect. In 1897, while still a medical student, Laurens inherited a vast fortune from a distant cousin, the Baron de Fontenay. This windfall, coupled with the inheritance of a parcel of land known as Belle-Isle, provided Laurens with the means to embark on his grand project.

Laurens was a man of many passions: a traveler, a collector, a music lover, and a patron of the arts. His extensive travels through Russia, Uzbekistan, and Austria allowed him to amass a remarkable collection of art and artifacts, which he integrated into the design and decor of his villa. The result was a total work of art where architecture, interior design, furniture, and lifestyle converged in a harmonious and lavish ensemble.

A Tapestry of Artistic Styles

Château Laurens is a feast for the eyes, with its intricate blend of artistic influences. The grand salon, with its painted decorations by Eugène Dufour, is a prime example of the villa's opulence. The ceiling of Laurens' study featured a monumental drawing by Louis Anquetin, adding to the room's grandeur.

The bathroom, a masterpiece in its own right, boasts a bathtub-pool adorned with faience tiles from the Sarreguemines workshops, designed by Eugène Martial Simas. The stained glass windows in the private apartments, crafted by Eugène Simas and Théophile-Hippolyte Laumonnerie, further enhance the villa's artistic allure.

Laurens commissioned much of the villa's furniture from renowned artisans such as Léon Cauvy and Paul Arnavielhe, a cabinetmaker from Montpellier. Some of this furniture, including pieces by Carlo Bugatti, has been preserved and is now displayed in the Musée Agathois Jules-Baudou, awaiting reinstallation in the villa.

From Splendor to Abandonment

For several decades, Château Laurens was a beacon of luxury and artistic expression. However, by 1938, Laurens could no longer maintain the villa and sold it as a life annuity. During World War II, the château was occupied by German soldiers, who left behind a series of painted sketches on the walls of a large room, depicting garrison life.

Laurens' wife, Louise Blot, whom he married in 1921, passed away in 1954, and Laurens himself died in 1959. Following his death, the villa was left to deteriorate, succumbing to the ravages of time and neglect.

Renaissance and Public Opening

In 1994, the town of Agde purchased Château Laurens with the intent to restore it to its former glory. The restoration project, overseen by the Hérault Méditerranée Agglomeration Community (CAHM) and led by the heritage architects RL & Associés, was a monumental undertaking. The restoration, which spanned 16 years and cost a total of €15,000,000, aimed to preserve the villa's historical and artistic integrity.

On June 23, 2023, Château Laurens finally reopened its doors to the public, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the villa's splendor. The restoration included the creation of a permanent monumental decor for the music room by artists Wilfried Mille and Ida Tursic, commissioned by the state in 2015.

A Jewel of Architectural History

Although still relatively unknown to the general public, Château Laurens is a significant landmark in the history of architecture and decorative arts in southern France at the turn of the century. The villa and its garden, including the basins, orangery, and hydroelectric turbine pavilion, have been classified as historical monuments since April 12, 1996.

Despite the dispersion of much of its original furniture and decor, efforts have been made to reunite these elements with the villa. In 1994 and 1997, the town of Agde repurchased a set of furniture commissioned by Laurens in 1898, which is now classified as historical monuments and displayed in the Musée Agathois Jules-Baudou until their return to Château Laurens in 2023.

Conclusion

Château Laurens is more than just a historical monument; it is a testament to the artistic vision and eclectic tastes of Emmanuel Laurens. Its walls and halls echo the stories of a bygone era, offering visitors a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle and artistic fervor of the early 20th century. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Château Laurens promises to be a captivating and enriching experience.