Turenne Square

Here you are in Place Turenne, one of the most charming squares in Arcachon’s Winter Town. It’s named after Marshal Henri de La Tour d’Auvergne, Viscount of Turenne, one of Louis XIV’s greatest military strategists in the 17th century. All around you stand remarkable villas that showcase the rich architectural variety of this unique neighbourhood. At No. 5, Villa Francillon, built in 1889 by architect Jean Arnaudin, takes its name from a hit play by Alexandre Dumas fils that was all the rage at the time. From here, you can also spot the magnificent Villa Térésa on Allée Rebsomen. Built around 1882 by architect Michel Ormières for an Irish painter named Lewis, it stands out for its unique Hispano-Moorish style, alternating terracotta and limestone walls, intricate timberwork, and a variety of roof shapes. Originally one of the largest estates in the Winter Town, Villa Térésa’s interiors were adorned with decorative ceramics depicting aquatic scenes and landscapes, a testament to the refined taste of the era. Later converted into the Hôtel Sémiramis, it fell into disuse after 1928 and narrowly escaped demolition around 1970. Fortunately, it has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1980, ensuring its preservation. This square and its surroundings perfectly capture the 19th-century architectural eclecticism that defined the Winter Town, where its creators drew inspiration from many different styles to shape the remarkable heritage we can still admire today.