Cultural heritage Maison Chabrières

The Chabrières family owned the Tour de Crest from 1878 to 1987. M. Chabrières (1829-1897), general councillor for Crest Nord and general treasurer of the Rhône, gave his name to this family property. It was probably built in the mid-18th century, at a time when a vast aeration project was being carried out by the town around the bridge, a district then in full industrial expansion. At the time, it was one of the only squares in the old town to have been the subject of a real development project aimed at making it an aesthetic and functional space: opening up the bridge entrance, facilitating passage to the hospital and creating an esplanade that could be used as a market square. The facade, typical of the 18th century, is organized along an almost perfect axis of symmetry, giving it rigor and monumentality, but with no disregard for the many refined decorative elements. The portal features a wrought-iron transom with a passing keystone; handsome brackets support a balcony behind which two niches can be glimpsed; the whole ends in a curvilinear pediment. The building's imposing proportions make it one of the most beautiful classical French-style facades to be found in Crest. Inside, you'll appreciate the staircase and the architectural details that recall the high social standing of the original owners.