Prefecture hotel of Cantal, Neoclassical prefecture building in Aurillac, France
The Prefecture Hotel of Cantal is a Neoclassical administrative building located in central Aurillac. Its facades feature balanced proportions, columns, and carved ornaments that exemplify the refined style characteristic of early 19th-century institutional architecture.
Built between 1798 and 1811, this structure represents the first purpose-built departmental prefecture in France following the French Revolution. It established a new model for how administrative buildings should be designed and constructed.
The building takes its name from its role as a prefecture hotel, a term that reflects administrative importance in the French system. Visitors can observe how the formal architecture still conveys authority through its balanced proportions and classical design elements.
This structure is situated between Cours Monthyon and Rue Transparots in central Aurillac, making it easily accessible on foot from major downtown areas. Visitors should be aware that it functions as an active administrative building, so interior access may be restricted during standard visiting times.
Unlike many administrative buildings of its time that were housed in converted structures, this one was constructed from scratch as an entirely new institutional facility. This approach was relatively uncommon in early 19th-century France and reflects a deliberate choice to create dedicated government architecture.
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