Pierre Loti's restored home reopens in France, showcasing his fascination with Morocco
After 13 years of closure due to its deteriorated condition and an extensive restoration, the Maison de Pierre Loti in Rochefort (Charente-Maritime) reopened to the public this June. The 19th-century French travel writer left behind nearly 3,000 objects collected from his journeys around the world, particularly from Morocco, which deeply influenced him. The impact of Arab-Muslim cultures is visible throughout the mansion, from its architectural elements to its interior design. Designated a historical monument in 1990 and labeled a Museum of France in 2002, the house features arches, zellige tiles, a fountain, and even a small mosque.
The restoration covered the building's foundations, around twenty rooms, and the numerous objects preserved within, in addition to major structural repairs. «The guiding principle was to create the impression that Pierre Loti had just left the place yesterday», explained Camille Alazet, a decorative painter who restored «a large portion of what is on display», in an interview with ICI. According to Alazet, the project also required extensive research and documentation: «We had to understand how the original decor was created in order to restore it as faithfully as possible».
This «colossal project» was supported by €16 million in funding from the city of Rochefort, the regional and departmental authorities, the French state, and the Heritage Foundation. Thirty-four trades contributed to the painstaking restoration, including heritage specialists and skilled craftspeople. In keeping with Pierre Loti's last wishes, the small museum room remains closed to visitors.
However, a new surprise awaits—even for returning guests: the restored Chinese Room, now open to the public for the first time.
A dedicated interpretation space has also been added to help visitors understand the writer's unique collections. Visits follow a mandatory guided chronological tour, with tickets available via the official website.
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