Hôtel Hutot de Latour

Hôtel Hutot de Latour, in Agen, is an 18th-century pink-brick mansion counted among the finest examples of private townhouse architecture in this Garonne-side city.

Where does the building stand, and what makes it stand out?

The mansion occupies a plot bounded by Cours Gambetta, rue des Générals-Alabosse and rue Louis-Vivent, right next to the Gravier esplanade, one of the most popular strolling spots for locals. Its pink-brick facade, typical of the region, together with a formal garden set behind wrought-iron gates, make it stand apart from the surrounding streetscape. Art historians consider the design unusual for the Agenais area, which has led to speculation that whoever drew up the plans came from outside the region.

Who built it, and when?

The mansion was commissioned by Pierre-Louis Hutot de Latour, a receiver of the taille tax for the Agen tax district. On 8 February 1753 he bought a building plot from Jeanne Rouget, widow of Jean Ferradou, and her sister Hélène Rouget, paying 660 livres, then enlarged the site with further purchases from Joseph Suslacarrère, J. B. Mazères and François Charrière. The foundations were finished by 2 May 1754, and construction was complete by 1755. No record of the architect's name has survived.

What is inside, and why does the building include a medieval tower?

A 14th-century structure known as the Powder Tower was absorbed into the new building and converted into a music room, a striking example of an older fortification being folded into a modern private residence. The interiors still keep much of their original decor: wrought-iron staircase railings, wood-panelled salons and bedrooms, and decorative stucco work. It was precisely this well-preserved interior fabric that led to the building's listing as a historic monument on 9 August 1954.

How did ownership change over the centuries?

Hutot de Latour himself did not enjoy the house for long: in 1773 he moved to Paris and sold the property. A year later, in 1774, it passed to Martial de Fossat de la Bastide, a buyer from Moissac, for 40,000 livres. Ownership changed again in 1810, when the mansion was acquired by Nicolas Cazabonne de Lajonquière, a well-known figure in Agen society at the time.

Can visitors go inside today?

For years the building fell into disrepair and was listed among historic monuments at risk. A large-scale restoration has since been under way, led by the Angelys group, which is converting the interior into upscale private apartments, with completion originally targeted for the end of 2025. In practical terms, this means the mansion is shifting from a neglected landmark toward a private residential building — worth knowing before planning a stop here.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of Hôtel Hutot de Latour? The building is currently being converted into private apartments, so regular indoor visits are not available to tourists. The facade and garden, however, can be admired from the street and from the Gravier esplanade.

Why is the building made of pink brick? Pink brick is a hallmark building material of the Agenais region and the Garonne valley, widely used in 18th-century local construction, which explains the mansion's distinctive colour.

What is the tower next to the building? It is the 14th-century Powder Tower, older than the mansion itself, which was incorporated into the structure and turned into a music room during Hutot de Latour's ownership.

When was the building recognized as a historic monument? Hôtel Hutot de Latour was listed as a French historic monument on 9 August 1954.