La Salle de Bal

With its distinctive architecture, inspired by traditional Vendée building techniques, the Salle de Bal has become a landmark in the Quartier des Artistes, in the heart of the village.

A place to work and welcome the public

A true witness to the past, this building, originally an 18th or 19th century drying shed, then a sawmill with possible lumber drying functions, has a rich and varied history. In the 1950s, it was transformed into a “dance hall”: a reception venue filling the lack of a village hall and leaving its name as a legacy of this era. 

Today, the Salle de Bal contributes to the year-round life of the Quartier des Artistes campus. As well as being a rehearsal space for artists in residence or for Les Arts Florissants festivals, the Salle de Bal can also be used as an exhibition space, welcoming the public for events such as the European Heritage Days.

An ambitious restoration project

Financed by a fund-raising campaign run by the Fondation du Patrimoine, with the support of the Mission du Patrimoine headed by Stéphane Bern and the assistance of partners and patrons, the restoration of this building in the heart of the village marked a new stage in bringing the Quartier des Artistes to life all year round. It has also become the emblem of the Fondation Les Arts Florissants - William Christie's determination to enhance the value of the rural housing characteristic of the Vendée region, while respecting traditional techniques.

After being left abandoned for a long time, the Salle de Bal underwent major restoration work between 2017 and 2023, carried out by the Fondation Les Arts Florissants - William Christie under the direction of architect Matthieu Gillet / Perrot & Richard. 

The architectural project highlights the existing old volumes, with openings in the cladding that reflect the codes of the old tobacco drying sheds. The use of stone and wood preserves the original appearance of the drying shed, which opened onto the street. The meticulous restoration of this building has resulted in a remarkable transformation, where past and present come together harmoniously. 

The building has been thermally and acoustically insulated, creating an interior environment conducive to comfort and concentration. Openings at the top of the structure provide natural ventilation, while the restored old timbers reinforce the link with the history of the site. These restored elements not only reinforce the deep connection with the site's history, but also add a unique touch of character to the whole. 

The work respects the traditional techniques and materials of old buildings - natural and painted wood, lime, stone, wood, wrought iron - while including a nod to its use as a dance hall, with a red-painted ceiling and red resin floor.

This project would not have been possible without the generous contribution of our patrons. We also thank them for their presence and support, which play an essential role in the success of the Fondation Les Arts Florissants and its past and future projects. Thanks to our patrons, we can continue to promote and nurture a love of Baroque culture and music, gardens and heritage in a spirit of transmission.