Description

Built in 1878 by Alexandre Reynaud (1840-1913), a former trader in Mexico, La Sapinière experiences a turbulent history. Reworked for the first time in 1883, the villa is the subject of an up to date in 1905, designed by architect Francis Girard from Grenoble.

The north and south facades underwent a structured remodeling: rectangular and semicircular pediments, cornice embellished by corbels and tables. The south facade is decorated with an elegant metallic veranda opening onto the park through a horseshoe staircase made in Queyras stone. Inside, one can find an Art Nouveau style bathroom cabinet made in Sarreguemines earthenware. Since 2005, the staircase's great bay houses a stained glass window featuring a bouquet of poppies (1900).

Bequeathed to the city of Barcelonnette in 1971 by Antoine Signoret, trader in Mexico City, La Sapiniere since 1988 has been housing the Vallée museum (Musée de France), which brings together the Museum Chabrand's (1886) and the Hôtel de ville museum's collections(1934). Absolutely to see the archaeological collections (Gleize donation), Jean Caire and Marie Tonoir's paintings, and the history of Barcelonnettes entrepreneurs in Mexico.

Video

ICONOGRAPHY
Architectural exterior / settings / details: photo campaign of the General Inventory regional department © Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - Marc Heller and Gerard Roucaute.
Archives: Alexandre Reynaud / Las Fábricas Universales store in Mexico City / Santa Rosa textile factory / Paul Reynaud / Antoine Signoret. ©Photo Library Vallée Museum
Showing of the museum and its collections©Photo Library Vallée Museum