La Serre du Chirurgien, or “The Surgeon’s Greenhouse,” is a vast and captivating glasshouse tucked away in the south of France. Despite its name, this structure appears to be more of a detached conservatory than a traditional greenhouse for cultivating plants. Its true origins and historical background remain largely unknown, with little information available online.
Architectural Design and Interior Features
One of the most striking aspects of the building is its semi-circular shape, crowned by a large domed ceiling. At the center of this circular space sits a patio table shaded by a parasol, directly beneath a hanging metal pole adorned with several vintage, bulbous lamps. These details suggest a space once designed for comfort, gatherings, and perhaps quiet reflection.
In the heart of the structure is a brick-constructed firepit, a feature that implies social use—likely for cooking or warmth. Suspended above the pit is a large, funnel-shaped chimney, now rusted from years of exposure and neglect. Ivy creeps along the ground near the firepit, threading its way through broken window panes and invading the interior with a touch of wild reclamation.
Seating and Layout
Curved, circular bench blocks line the interior edges of the conservatory, mirroring the curvature of the glass walls. These benches, along with the central table, seem to have hosted guests who would sit and enjoy meals or conversation around the warmth of the firepit—suggesting the greenhouse once functioned as a social hub.
Exterior and Surroundings
Outside, a rusting spiral staircase wraps its way up to a narrow walkway running along the top of the greenhouse. The exterior glass walls are slowly being swallowed by ivy and other overgrown climbing plants, lending the entire structure a hauntingly beautiful, post-abandonment aesthetic.
It remains unclear whether La Serre du Chirurgien was part of the nearby residential house or associated with the school or college-style buildings located a short distance away. Regardless of its original purpose, it stands today as a mysterious and atmospheric relic, both elegant and forgotten.
