Discovering Arcachon's Winter Town

Hello and welcome to my world !

I am Élodie Langevin, an interior decorator in the Arcachon Basin. Through my projects, I assist those seeking a refined interior, combining elegance and functionality.

With its eclectic architecture and old-world charm, Arcachon's Winter Town is a true journey back in time. Immerse yourself in the heart of this iconic district, where historic villas and lush greenery blend harmoniously.

Enjoy your reading !

The Winter Town in Arcachon is a historic district known for its magnificent villas built in the 19th century. These villas are true architectural gems, characterized by their neo-Moorish, neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance and other eclectic styles of the period.

Having earned a degree in Art History, specializing in 19th-century resort architecture , I invite you to learn more about our local architectural gem and explore the Winter Town of Arcachon !

Architecture :

The villas in the Winter Town are generally large, two- to three-story houses built of stone or wood, with slate roofs and richly decorated facades. Architectural influences are varied, ranging from Moorish style with pointed arches, mashrabiya balconies, and geometric patterns, to Gothic style with buttresses, mullioned windows, and gargoyles, and Renaissance style with pediments, cornices, and pilasters.

Gardens :

The villas of the Winter Town are surrounded by vast landscaped gardens , often adorned with exotic plants, fountains, statues and terraces offering panoramic views of the Arcachon Bay.

Decoration :

The interiors of the villas are often lavishly decorated with frescoes, mosaics, carved woodwork, stained glass windows, marble fireplaces, and other period decorative elements. Some villas have also retained their original furnishings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the refined atmosphere of the era.

Villa names :

The villas in the Winter Town often bear evocative names such as "Algerian Villa", "Fern Villa", "Rose Villa", "Trocadero Villa", "White Shadow Villa" and many others, which testify to the exoticism and elegance of the era.

Location :

The villas of Ville d'Hiver are located on the heights of Arcachon , offering breathtaking views of the bay and the beach. The streets are lined with majestic trees and parks, including the famous Parc Mauresque , giving this district a timeless charm.

History :

The Winter Town was built in the 19th century as a holiday resort for the Bordeaux bourgeoisie . The villas were used as summer residences and rest homes , and many of them are still used as private residences today.

In short, the villas of Arcachon's Winter Town are true architectural treasures, testifying to the refinement and luxurious lifestyle of the era . They offer a journey back in time, allowing visitors to discover the history and art of living of the 19th century in an enchanting setting.

Do you own a villa in Arcachon's winter town and wish to renovate or redecorate it while ensuring that you respect the soul and history of your property? Contact me!