The “Maison des Têtes”: an architectural masterpiece to discover in Valence

The Maison des Têtes, a private mansion dating from the 16th century, takes its name from the sculptures of heads that decorate its façade. Here is everything you need to know about this unique building, located in the heart of the city.

The House of the Heads, a distinctive architecture of the historical center of Valence

This building will not fail to capture your attention as you stroll through the narrow streets of the old town. It is one of the most original sites to visit in Valence! As a cultural heritage of the city, this place attracts a large number of tourists and Valentinois, with more than 25,000 visitors per year.

Make sure you’re well-located during your stay in Valence by booking a hotel in the center! This way, you can visit most of the city on foot, and there’s nothing more enjoyable.

This magnificent mansion, built in the early 16th century by Antoine De Dorne, a university professor and consul of Valence, is truly remarkable. Its architecture and rich decoration make it one of the most beautiful residences of the city, testifying to the transition between the flamboyant Gothic style and the Renaissance.

The House of the Heads takes its name from the numerous sculptures of heads that adorn its facade and its interior courtyard. Among them are representations of Fortune, Time, Theology, Law and Medicine. The facade, more exuberant than the inner courtyard, presents curves and counter-curves in a flamboyant network, with gables cut into the openings, corded eaves, windows decorated with moldings and fantastic figures, as well as foliage characteristic of the flamboyant Gothic style.

Through the corridor, where busts of Roman emperors create optical illusions, you will reach the inner courtyard. This magnificent residence changed owners several times in the 19th and 20th centuries. Because of the social position of its occupants, the Maison des Têtes has welcomed illustrious people, one of the most famous being the young Bonaparte, then a lieutenant at the Valence artillery school and a friend of the son Marquet (1785 – 1786).

What is the history of the Maison des Têtes?

The construction of the House of the Heads took place between 1528 and 1532 under the direction of Antoine de Dorne, professor at the University and consul of Valence. It is said that he decided to have it built after returning from a trip to Italy. Upon his death in 1551, the house was passed on to his son François, a counselor at the Parliament of Dauphiné. At the end of the 16th century, it was then passed on by marriage to Barthélémy de Marquet, who completed the decoration work and had three sculpted doors opened onto the garden, one of which is now preserved in the Museum of Art and Archaeology of Valence.

The Maison des Têtes remained in this family until the end of the 18th century. In 1794, during the Terror, it was confiscated and sold as a national asset to Madeleine Vernet, widow of the bookseller Pierre Aurel. Later, her son, Joseph Marc Emmanuel Aurel, inherited it and was called by Bonaparte as the chief printer of the Army of Egypt.

In 1944, the Maison des Têtes was classified as a historical monument. During the 19th century, it changed owners several times and remained a private property until the city of Valence acquired it in 1980.

The renovation of the Maison des Têtes

Molasse is the main material used in the construction of the Maison des Têtes. This stone, which is composed of fine grains, is very sensitive and extremely friable. As a result, it cracks and disintegrates easily under the effect of erosion and pollution.

Since 1960, various restoration works have been undertaken to preserve the beauty of the Maison des Têtes. Funding for this work has come largely from the city of Valence, which owns the building, as well as the department of Drôme and the State.

Various techniques were employed to preserve and restore the building. To begin with, a surface consolidation technique by impregnating a hardening product was used to stabilize the alterations.

In addition, the use of patching removed the damaged parts of the stone before a mixture of stone and mortar was applied to the healthy parts and cut into the original shapes.

Finally, the stone was replaced using a method called “drawer rework. A new stone, such as Vosges sandstone, is used to replace the old one. The missing parts are thus recreated, inspired by the decorative vocabulary present in the rest of the building.

What about the Maison des Têtes today?

As mentioned earlier, the Maison des Têtes changed owners several times during the 19th and 20th centuries, remaining in private ownership for a long period of time. However, this did not prevent it from being classified as a Historical Monument as early as 1944. In 1980, the city of Valence acquired the building. It now houses the service of the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire, where you can get more information and book guided tours.

Don’t hesitate to enter and take the time to admire this remarkable building. It’s well worth a visit, especially since access to the interior courtyard is free.