Faust Alley

You’re now walking along Allée Faust, one of the most striking promenades in Arcachon’s Winter Town. This avenue takes its name from the hero of Charles Gounod’s opera Faust, premiered in 1859 and now considered one of the great masterpieces of the French lyrical repertoire. The choice is no coincidence, Gounod was a friend of architect Gustave Alaux and a frequent visitor to Arcachon. In front of you rises the majestic Villa Coulaine, instantly recognisable by its tall red-wood belvedere tower. Built around 1870 for Baron Auguste Henri Edme Quirit de Coulaine, a civil engineer, it was the first in the Winter Town to feature such an imposing belvedere, creating a true architectural landmark. After decades of neglect that worried local heritage lovers, the villa was spectacularly restored from 2015 onward, regaining all its original splendour. Continuing your walk, you’ll come to Villa Siebel at number 5. Its name recalls Siebel, the young man in Faust who tries to win Marguerite’s heart with flowers, only to be outdone when Faust himself arrives with far more tempting jewels. Built in the 1880s, the villa showcases an eye-catching blend of brick and stone walls, typical of the eclectic style of the period. Your route will finally lead you to Villa Faust at number 1, the namesake of this avenue. Constructed as early as 1862 to plans by Gustave Alaux, it was among the very first houses built in the Winter Town. Remodelled in 1878 by architect Alphonse Blaquière, it now boasts a crenellated turret and a triple-arched gallery that give it the appearance of a small castle. Together, these three villas perfectly embody the cultural vision behind the creation of the Winter Town.