Dating from the end of the 15th century, this chapter tower at 4 rue Jules Chalande was a symbol of nobility like a keep in a castle. Belonging to Jean Bolé, a capitoul (name given to the magistrates who ruled Toulouse from the 12th century until the French Revolution in 1789), it is today a Toulouse family that invests the place by offering hosted accommodation.

The Séguy tower as well as part of the Jean Bolé hotel, in which it is located, were bought by Astrid Béteille and her family in order to be renovated. “Not many people know about these tricks. By discovering this place, which belongs to the history of our city, I said to myself that we had to share it, ”explains the Toulousaine, who had never climbed into a chapter tower before this one. From this intention, was born the project to open a charming accommodation in this Gothic style tower. “Welcoming our visitors in a family way, by sharing our habits, our favorite addresses, is important for us”, adds the young woman, must provide an authentic Toulouse experience.

“We wanted to restore its splendor to this place in Toulouse which was a little abandoned.”

Previously home to the gourmet restaurant “La Corde”, since its closure, the mansion had lost its prestige. To carry out this huge project, the family called on Christophe Benichou, an architect from Toulouse, now based in Montpellier.

A contemporary decoration in a medieval tower.

A 15th century door provides access to the spiral staircase, which leads to the 3 rooms of this unusual accommodation. After a few steps, you reach the first plateau of the tower, divided into 3 floors, each with an area of ​​9 m². In the center of the room, under the crossing point of the ogives of the beautiful vaulted ceiling, the shower. With its bricks, the bedroom on the upper floor could not better illustrate the idea of ​​spending the night within the walls of the pink city “In redeveloping these rooms, it was essential for us to highlight the reliefs of the bricks which form the walls, the bases which ferment the arches of the vaulted ceiling”, explains Christophe Benichou. By subtly integrating furniture and equipment, the architecture of the tower thus remains the main decoration.

“Suspension 6 months, on a reflection on the layout of the rooms, so that there is a logical sequence, but also to optimize the spaces without putting comfort aside”, adds the architect. The top floor of the tower is reserved for the living room. In front of the windows, the space is clear, to be able to revel in the view overlooking the rooftops of Toulouse, can sometimes see the Pyrenees. In this turn of the Middle Ages, they opted for a contemporary and refined decoration. “We didn’t want to represent this place in a particular era by putting old furniture, even if my father, a history buff, wanted the opposite,” laughs Astrid.

In contact with the heritage of Toulouse to try to obtain additional answers on the history of this place, the family also wishes to open it to the public, once a month.

From 190 euros per night, the Séguy tower, renamed “La Tour du Capitole”, already welcomes tourists.