Vignotte Rotunda

The rotunda of la Vignotte

The Mont-de-Marsan audio-guided tour presents you with the rotunda of la Vignotte, a neoclassical building whose history and function remain partly enigmatic.

A building still seeking its purpose

In the eighteenth century, the land surrounding the rotunda was planted with vines. During his visit to Mont-de-Marsan in 1808, Napoleon I gave the plot to the Agricultural Society, which had this neoclassical-style rotunda built there. For lack of funds, it was never really fitted out. Passing from owners to tenants, the building served in turn to distil resin or to dry clay tiles. Neither really completed nor clearly defined in its role, the rotunda, listed as a historic monument in 1986, is still seeking its purpose.

What there is to see

The rotunda of la Vignotte intrigues with its neoclassical architecture and its unfinished history, which makes it a unique monument in the Mont-de-Marsan landscape. Listed as a historic monument, it testifies to an ambitious project never fully realised. It is a heritage curiosity, to be discovered along the walk in the city.

Practical information

The rotunda of la Vignotte is in Mont-de-Marsan. Its neoclassical architecture can be contemplated from the outside, on the level, along the walk.

Who had the rotunda of la Vignotte built?

The Agricultural Society, to whom Napoleon I gave the land in 1808; for lack of funds, the building was never really fitted out.

What was the rotunda of la Vignotte used for?

To distil resin or to dry clay tiles, having failed to find a clear vocation; it has been listed as a historic monument since 1986.