La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure

La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure

Discover how founder Christèle Delance restored an abandoned 18th-century tannery into a timeless bed & breakfast - where every detail tells a story.

 

Credit: Marie Pierre Morel

Christéle Delance, Founder of La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure, shares the story behind the renovation and design of this unique space, blending history, simplicity, and natural elegance.

Could you start by telling us a bit about the overall vision and the story behind the renovation of La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure?

We lived in Paris, and we fell in love with Lectoure in Gers. We arrived there while walking the Camino de Santiago. And then, by chance, while looking at classified ads, I came across this house, which had been abandoned for 30 years. It had been a retirement home in the 1960s and had remained abandoned ever since. So, everything had to be done; it was a blank slate. That was the starting point for our life change. From that moment, we decided to renovate this house, but also to leave Paris and build a project around it. It was a long process because it took four years of work. But at the same time, everything had to be done, from the floor to the ceiling. We redid the roof, all the windows, and had to demolish what remained of the interior because it had been badly damaged and heavily squatted during those 30 years of abandonment. We had to strip the interior completely, keeping only the exterior structure. So, it was four years of work, but in the end, for a space of almost 1,000 square meters, it wasn’t that long.

What was your main inspiration when designing the interiors of this historic place?

We tried to respect the house as much as possible. Before becoming the retirement home, it was a leather tannery in the 18th century. It was an industrial building, so we wanted to maintain the simplicity of the space. It wasn’t a residential house, nor was it a château. We chose natural materials, very simple elements to preserve the soul of the place and not transform it too much. Since we had to tear everything down, there was nothing left anyway. Apart from the wooden beams, there were no traces of what the house had been over the past two centuries. So, we went back to the essence of the building.

"An art of living under the sign of poetry" – what does this poetic approach mean to you and to La Manufacture Royale?

For me, a poetic approach is about simplicity and paying attention to small details. I can give just as much importance to a branch placed on the ground or in a vase as I do to the overall decor. There is also a strong connection to the light that enters through the windows. The rooms are open from north to south, and the light plays a significant role in making the house feel alive. This interplay of light is, to me, what makes the space poetic. Here, every little thing holds meaning.

What were the main challenges you faced during the renovation and decoration of such a unique 18th-century building?

The biggest challenge was respecting the history of the house - not trying to transform it, but rather revealing what was already there or what had existed before. The key was to maintain simplicity. Since we essentially had to rebuild everything, the process was relatively straightforward. A pleasant surprise during the renovation was discovering a stone basin from the original tannery, hidden beneath the floors. Finding this historical element only reinforced our approach: to restore and preserve rather than alter.

How did you approach blending traditional elements with modern design during the renovation?

I approached it very naturally because it aligns with my personal taste. The idea was to create a place that reflected who we are, a space where we would welcome guests. I incorporated a mix of elements - my personality, my previous experience as a stylist, and my appreciation for different styles. I aimed to balance traces of the past with contemporary touches. For me, it was only natural to merge these two aspects. We prioritized natural materials such as wood and stone to maintain a sense of authenticity. This blend wasn’t forced; it simply emerged from our personal preferences and background. In a way, my past work in styling and atmosphere creation translated into bringing this house to life.

How does the setting of Lectoure and its surrounding countryside influence your interior design choices?

The surrounding environment played a key role in shaping our design choices. The colors, forms, and textures we used were inspired by the landscape. In summer, the area is lush and green, with rolling hills and a magical quality to the sky and sunsets. We see soft pink hues, beautiful gradients, and bright white stone. We wanted to reflect this natural harmony inside the house. Rather than using bold colors, we focused on atmospheres and tones that create a seamless transition between the exterior and interior.

What role does lighting play in creating the ambiance at La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure?

I find lighting to be one of the most challenging aspects of interior design. The right lamp in the right place makes all the difference. We don’t just want to illuminate a space - we want to create an atmosphere. This is something I am constantly refining. For example, I don’t use the same lamps in summer and winter, and I often move lamps around throughout the day to adjust the ambiance. I believe in having multiple light sources to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

What inspired your choice of Knit-Wit lamps?

I was drawn to the lantern-like quality of the Knit-Wit lamps. They have a very Japanese aesthetic - simple and understated, almost wabi-sabi in spirit. I also loved their texture, shape, and color. By coincidence, the two colors I chose - green and soft pink - matched perfectly with the shades we created with Mercadier for the walls. At first, I only ordered a few for the main hall, but I quickly realized how well they fit the space and contributed to a sense of unity. I then added them to multiple rooms, and eventually, nearly every space in the house.

How do the Knit-Wit lamps contribute to the overall aesthetic of the hotel’s design? 

Using the same lamps throughout the house creates a sense of unity and reinforces the serene atmosphere. I find it visually soothing to avoid too many competing elements. The Knit-Wit lamps bring coherence and a unique identity to the space.

Did you have any specific requirements or wishes when selecting lamps for the different rooms? 

My main goal was to maintain a consistent atmosphere. I wanted to keep the same softness and harmony between the walls and the lighting.

A Special Thanks

We would like to extend a warm thank you to Christèle Delance for sharing her story and insights on the poetic transformation of La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure.


Photography credits: Marine Lazarus

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