Manufacture Royale de Lectoure: An Deserted Tannery Turned Retreat in Southwest France

French inside design journalist, stylist, and set designer Christèle Ageorges and her husband Hubert Derlance fell in love with the small city of Lectoure, within the Gers, whereas strolling a stretch of the traditional Method of St James in 2017. Lengthy-time Parisians on vacation, the couple had no actual plans to maneuver till serendipity knocked on their door, finally main them to find a derelict 18th-century royal tannery which had been in the marketplace for ages. After quite a few transformations, the property had been transformed right into a retirement dwelling within the Sixties, then deserted for over 30 years.

Restoring the historic constructing to its former glory grew to become an all-consuming venture for Christèle and Hubert. They moved to Lectoure completely and, working to French architect François Muracciole’s plans, slowly and respectfully introduced the spectacular tannery again to life with a workforce of expert artisans. Manufacture Royale de Lectoure opened its doorways to its first visitors in summer season 2022. Providing fashionable, spacious mattress and breakfast lodging (two rooms and three suites) in addition to internet hosting workshops, pop-ups, retreats, culinary occasions, and photograph shoots, the couple may also be opening a personal trip wing with basin pool and backyard.

Final however not least, true to their ardour for strolling—and their gratitude for the route that led them to Lectoure—Christèle and Hubert have created a minimalist Pilgrims’ Cottage within the former tannery’s cellars. For a modest sum, households and associates can break their mountaineering journey for just a few days in a haven of peace.

Let’s have a look.

Pictures by Jérôme Galland, courtesy of Manufacture Royale de Lectoure.