SEA SHELLS & SHELLFISH
Even if they are not located near our coasts, many monuments of the Centre des Monuments Nationaux are inspired by a maritime theme...
All aboard!
A SWIMMING POOL DECOR
In the Gallo-Roman villa of Montcaret, the bottom of the pool is full of wonderful aquatic animals In mosaic: cuttlefish, dolphins, fish and shellfish...
WALLS IN SEA SHELLS
In the Domain of Rambouillet, the décor is nothing but sea shells and covers wreaths, vases, medallions and cornices in the sea shell thatched cottage of the same name.
A SHELL AT JACQUES CŒUR
Scallop shells, an emblem of the famous traveller, can be found everywhere in the Jacques Cœur Palace in Bourges. As here, on the façade, where Jacques Cœur appears leaning on a fake window.
A FAMILY CREST
Shells also feature on the family coat of arms of Jeanne de Balsac and Robert Montal, as evidenced by the sculpted decoration of the Château de Montal in the Lot.
AN ECLECTIC COLLECTION
Have you heard of conchology? In the workshop that George Sand had set up in her house in Nohant, was a fabulous collection that showed her son Maurice Sand's interest in sea shells.
A GARDEN VASE
A sculpted vase with a mask made of shells
This garden vase, which you can find in the national domain of Saint-Cloud, is decorated with a mascaron ornament made entirely of sea shells and shellfish.
ALL IN GILDING
Sea shells, so dear to the rococo style, are also present in the decoration of the ceiling of the Salon d'Honneur of the Hôtel de la Marine.