“It’s a new life for the Auberge des Dauphins” smiles Guillaume Emonot, the public and communication manager. Last year, only the old historic dining room had reopened. In other words, a very small part of the building. From now on, the entire building is reopened, renovated, with an extension and 800 m² of exhibition spaceturned into Site house of the Saoû forest.
A museum of the Saoû forest
“It’s a site house, a kind of forest museum which aims to give all the keys to understanding the forest of Saoû” explains Guillaume Emonot. Its new vocation is to tell its territory and educate the general public about the environment. On the inside : a permanent exhibition, archaeological pieces, models, video… “It’s about understanding the secrets of the forest, and understanding how a forest is managed.”
– Damien Triumph
A contemporary style extension
The work did not relate solely to the restoration of the building. “We had to create new circulation and technical spaces to access the floor” develops Guillaume Emonot. An extension was thus made, at the back, all glazed and structured in wood and metal. The historic inn is neo-classical in style – hence its nickname of the small Drôme Trianon, directly inspired by the architecture of the Palace of Versailles. “The extension leans against the building, but is very discreet and does not overwhelm it. It is an extension that integrates very well, while remaining completely contemporary” believes Guillaume Emonot.
– Claire Matras
Total cost of the restoration project: 8.6 million euros, including 7 million paid by the Department of Drôme. The Auberge des Dauphins dates back to 1930, then fell into oblivion for decades, until the purchase of the Saoû forest in 2003 by the Department.
– Damien Triumph