The historic building of the Collège des Doctrinaires in Lectoure has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, evolving from a hospital annexe into a luxury hotel. This iconic edifice, with nearly four hundred years of history, remains deeply cherished by the people of Lectoure who once studied within its walls. Here is a glimpse into its remarkable past…
In 1630, the consuls of Lectoure (municipal councillors), under the impetus of Marshal Antoine de Roquelaure and in agreement with Bishop Jean d’Estresse, resolved to establish a Catholic educational college. This initiative, part of the Catholic Counter-Reformation, sought to strengthen religious education in the region.
After deliberations involving the Jesuits and Oratorians, the decision was made to entrust the administration of the college to the Congregation of the Priests of Christian Doctrine — known simply as the Doctrinaires. The institution offered a comprehensive curriculum, ranging from literacy to philosophy, including Latin, Greek, mathematics, and science. The Doctrinaires’ approach to teaching, favouring persuasion and emulation over reprimand, set them apart from other teaching orders of the time.
The land selected for the construction once belonged to a medieval hospital known as the “Hôpital du Saint-Esprit”. The vaulted cellar in the main wing, supported by a central stone pillar, is the only surviving element of that original structure. From the outset, the building was laid out in a “U” shape, with a courtyard open to the Rue Nationale.
Significantly remodelled in the mid-18th century, the college was expanded to include a chapel at the southern end of the west wing, as well as an inner courtyard that served as a playground. The first floor was reserved for the priests’ living quarters and a dormitory for the students, who were all boys.
In 1809, the building was repurposed as a communal college. A devastating fire in 1899 had a significant impact on the architecture of the institution. Following the fire, the college was completely restored, with reconstruction works completed in 1901, at which point the establishment was transferred to the ownership of the State. As part of the restoration, two additional buildings were erected on either side of the entrance portico, enclosing the courtyard. These served as the caretaker’s lodge and a parlour for visitors.
The Collège des Doctrinaires officially became Collège Maréchal-Lannes in 1943, during the Second World War. It closed its doors permanently in 1967. The renaming honoured Jean Lannes (1769–1809), Duke of Montebello and one of Napoleon I’s most brilliant marshals. Born in Lectoure, Lannes was commemorated during a time when historical military figures were revived to bolster patriotic sentiment amid the war.
In the 1980s, the former college was converted into an annexe of Lectoure’s local hospital. Unfortunately, this transformation led to notable architectural changes, including the removal of several historic features, such as the caretaker’s lodge and parlour constructed after 1824. The interior also suffered significant alterations, causing the building to lose much of its original character. The hospital annexe was definitively closed in 2006, leaving the site abandoned.
In 2013, Mr Bernard Riac, owner of the Valvital Group — a company specialising in thermal health and wellness — acquired the building. He launched an extensive restoration project, entrusting the work to Versailles-based architect Sébastien Desroches and internationally renowned landscape designer Louis Benech.
Inspired by a trip to Lisbon, Mr Riac commissioned a fountain in the patio (the former playground) to be adorned with azulejos — traditional Portuguese tiles — narrating the story of the Valvital group. A subterranean tunnel was also constructed, linking the hotel directly to the thermal baths of Lectoure, also owned by the Valvital Group, thus providing seamless access for spa guests and hotel clients alike.
The official inauguration of the Hôtel Collège des Doctrinaires took place on 4 October 2019, marking the renaissance of this 17th-century historical site, now reimagined as a luxury hotel. The event was held in the presence of former French President François Hollande and actress Julie Gayet, alongside many distinguished guests. The evening was highlighted by speeches, moments of conviviality, and the blessing of “Hôtel Collège des Doctrinaires” by Father Cenzon, parish priest of Lectoure — a fitting spiritual tribute to this place steeped in history.
