Guillaume Apollinaire

Château La Tour Apollinaire is more than a name. It is a stamp of pride. Our mysterious charm is inherited from one of France’s greatest poets - Apollinaire. Born in Rome to a Polish mother of the lower nobility and an unconfirmed father, Apollinaire’s early life remains obscured. It is in his adulthood that he came to be the brilliant poet, novelist, critic and friend that he is remembered for. Assuming his fifth name, Apollinaire channels Apollo, the god of poetry, in his work, traversing and overstepping the contemporary visual and literary boundaries by developing and popularising the poetic style ‘Calligram’. Some of his most famous works include ‘The Stabbed Dove and the Jet of Water’ and ‘The Tie and the Watch’. Apollinaire is known to have moved in circles of some of the greatest contemporary artists, including Picasso, Braque and De Chirico. Together, they redefined the boundaries of art, with Apollinaire creating the term ‘surrealism’, while his friends developed the artistic style. However, such boundless minds were inevitably prone to mischief, and Apollinaire and Picasso are alleged to have conspired in the plot to steal the Mona Lisa in 1911. Serving as a soldier in World War I, his friend De Chirico was to surreally foreshadow his fate in his 1914 Premonitory Portrait of Guillaume Apollinaire. Its dark tones, bottomless eyes and lurking figure represent Apollinaire’s deep and thoughtful criticisms that remain relevant to the present day. But it is the head injury painted that ultimately ended Apollinaire’s military career two years later, and he died shortly after in 1918. As one of France’s literary greats, Apollinaire’s legacy and memory deserve to be celebrated. Château La Tour Apollinaire continues to not only honour his memory in name, but his daring through its unapologetic architectural blend of the post-modern and classic French and Catalan details, his mystery through our enchanting gardens that await exploration, and his strong sense of friendship through our amazing team of colleagues.

Calligrams

Calligrams are a timeless form of art and expression that span centuries, inking emotion into its curves. In honour of our namesake Apollinaire, Château La Tour Apollinaire would like to dedicate some space to showcase this unusual artform. Derived from the Greek words for ‘beauty’ and ‘letter’, calligrams combine calligraphy and ideograms to animate an artist’s thoughts and visualise unmistakable symbolism in their work. Long before the term was coined, civilisations have been using this form of expression to convey what words alone could not. Many interpret ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics as an early variant of this art. Calligrams add a deeper dimension in the conveyance of emotions that is inadequately represented through words and entrances viewers with its shapes. Centuries later, calligrams were championed and popularised by Guillame Apollinaire. His Calligrammes (pub. 1918) saw a major contribution to the development of this genre and marked Apollinaire as someone unafraid to break the conventions of contemporary literature. Sculpting many important themes such as love, longing and war, present day readers can find resonance with his works, overcoming cultural and perhaps linguistic differences. The visual beauty of the prose and unconventional flow of words allows readers to build their own relationship with the poems. Do you have a favourite calligram?

October in Perpignan

October in Perpignan is a transitional month, marked by the balance between lingering summer warmth and the first signs of autumn. Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees and along the Mediterranean coast, this southern French city enters a quieter period after the peak tourist season, while maintaining a dynamic local culture.

The climate in October is one of Perpignan’s defining advantages. Daytime temperatures frequently reach around 20°C, offering ideal conditions for exploring the city’s historic center. The narrow streets of the old town, lined with ochre façades and iron balconies, remain bathed in sunlight, while evenings bring a mild coolness suitable for relaxed outdoor dining.

The rhythm of the city shifts noticeably in October. With the summer crowds gone, public squares and cafés are once again spaces for locals. A glass of muscat on a terrace at Place de la République provides the opportunity to observe daily life, where Catalan and French coexist naturally. On Saturdays, the Marché de la Place Cassanyes showcases the seasonal harvest, featuring figs, grapes, chestnuts, and early clementines. The market reflects the transitional character of the city, bridging the abundance of late summer with the earthy tones of autumn.

Cultural attractions continue to flourish in this period. Perpignan embodies a dual identity: administratively French, culturally Catalan. Landmarks such as the Castillet, the city’s red-brick emblem, are particularly striking under the softer autumn light. Museums, including the Hyacinthe Rigaud, offer a more tranquil experience, presenting collections of Catalan art and Spanish masters without the crowds of summer. Visitors may also encounter local traditions such as the sardana, a Catalan circle dance, performed informally in public squares.

October is an excellent month for excursions outside the city. The Roussillon vineyards are active with harvest, offering picturesque views across hillsides in shades of copper and crimson, alongside opportunities for wine tastings, including rich reds and vins doux naturels. Along the Mediterranean, Collioure remains accessible for coastal walks, its pastel façades reflected in calm waters, while the artistic heritage of the town continues to attract painters and visitors alike.

The city’s smaller-scale autumn festivals provide refined experiences. Food fairs and local fêtes celebrate seasonal produce such as chestnuts, grapes, and pumpkins, often accompanied by regional music and wine. These events offer insight into Perpignan’s heritage, highlighting the city’s traditions and community life rather than large-scale tourist spectacles.

October in Perpignan is defined by measured luxury: time outdoors, seasonal produce, cultural engagement, and regional exploration. It is a month that combines Mediterranean climate, Catalan identity, and sophisticated local culture, offering visitors an experience of understated elegance and authenticity.

Jean Terles – Colette, La Chatte

At Château La Tour Apollinaire, we take pride in our curated collection of exceptional artworks that reflect the richness and diversity of French artistic heritage. One of these treasures is a delicate watercolour by Jean Terles, created for the cover of one of France’s most famous female writers, Colette, and her 1933 novella, La Chatte.

Born in Burgundy, Colette’s passionate and complex stories are semi-autobiographical reflections of her life. Her works often explore themes of love, identity and female independence in early 20th-century France. Living from the Belle Epoque, through the Second World War, and into the modern world as we know it, Colette’s works remain relatable and emotive for audiences.

La Chatte follows the story of Alain and his marriage to Camille. What should have been a story of intense newlywed bliss transforms into a story of emotional rivalry, as Alain struggles with his emotional obsession with his childhood cat, Saha, who symbolises the nostalgia he feels towards his early youth. This novella is short, but intense, describing a relatable struggle between the nostalgic past and uncertain future.

This piece can be found in our Cuisine Elena kitchen. Colette’s La Chatte is painted with a mixture of ink, watercolour, and gouache, combining transparency and opacity to create soft, warm nuances, evoking nostalgia and intimacy. Saha is painted in the white of untainted memories, resting atop a golden pedestal of obsession. Framed in a classic cadre Montparnasse with deep griffe markings mimicking cat scratches, the frame itself contributes an experience of stimulating texture to observers of this watercolour. As with every piece of art, every choice is intentional at La Tour Apollinaire.

Through its warm tones, Terles’s painting reflects the château’s constant warmth and heartfelt memories. It is also a playful tribute to our feline friend, Croquette, who enjoys visiting the Château, and earned her name from her greatest interest – food!

If you are fortunate enough to spot the elusive Croquette, let us know if you feel the spirit of Saha in her presence!

Perpignan

In the southernmost region of France lies Perpignan, the sun-kissed “city of light.” Nestled between the Pyrenees Mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and resting at the confluence of the Têt and Basse rivers, the city offers endless possibilities, from afternoons on the beach to mountain hikes. Just 30 km from the Spanish border and only a two-hour drive to Barcelona, adventure is always within reach. Yet Perpignan’s own rich history and cultural depth often make it difficult to leave once you arrive.

Though its roots trace back to Roman times, Perpignan was formally established in the 10th century. It soon rose to prominence as the capital of the County of Roussillon, before French rights over the region were relinquished under the 1258 Treaty of Corbeil. In 1276, James I of Aragon founded the Kingdom of Majorca, choosing Perpignan as its capital. The Palace of the Kings of Majorca, completed in 1309, still stands proudly as a reminder of this illustrious era.

During this golden age, Perpignan became a hub of commerce and luxury, celebrated for its cloth, leather, and gold industries, as well as its flourishing financial services. The fortress known as Le Castillet, later expanded into a full defensive wall, guarded the city. Yet no walls could protect against the devastating plague of the 14th century, which claimed nearly half the population. Today, the city’s walls are gone, but the Porte Notre-Dame endures, once a prison, now home to the Casa Pairal Museum. Other architectural gems not to be missed include the Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the opulent Hôtel Pams, each a testament to the city’s evolving artistic expression.

The Thirty Years’ War left a lasting mark on Perpignan. Besieged by the French in 1642 during the Franco-Spanish War, the city was ceded to France in the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659), ending centuries of Spanish rule. Yet Catalan identity could never be erased. Today, though few residents still speak the language, Catalan heritage remains vibrant, symbolised by the proud display of both French and Catalan flags. Annual traditions such as the solemn Procession de la Sanch on Good Friday and the festive Festa Major with its midsummer bonfires keep this heritage alive.

Perpignan has long been a home to art and literature. Our very own Château bears the name of Guillaume Apollinaire, one of France’s greatest modern poets and nephew of Baron Hippolyte Despres, once mayor of the city. Picasso cherished Perpignan as a place of vacation and inspiration, with his works now celebrated at the Musée Hyacinthe Rigaud. Salvador Dalí declared that he experienced “cosmogenic ecstasy” in Perpignan, inspiring his 1965 painting La Gare de Perpignan; his presence is still felt in the city today, from the whimsical Dalí en Lévitation statue near the station to the surrealist parade Le Défilé Surréaliste. Each year, the Visa pour l’Image international festival of photojournalism further cements Perpignan as a crossroads of modern art and global storytelling.

From its medieval heritage to its modern creativity, from beaches to mountains, Perpignan embodies a vibrant identity that speaks to every traveller.

The Barons Desprès of Perpignan

At Château La Tour Apollinaire, our heritage is shaped by both history and poetry. The château bears the name of Guillaume Apollinaire, one of France’s greatest modern poets, whose visionary works helped define 20th-century literature. Apollinaire was the nephew of Baron Hippolyte Desprès, linking our château not only to civic duty and public service, but also to the flourishing of French culture and imagination.

In the days of the Barons Desprès, French nobility was divided into two great traditions, the noblesse d’épée, the ancient military aristocracy rooted in medieval chivalry, and the noblesse de robe, a nobility of law and administration, whose status derived from service in public office. The Desprès of Perpignan stood firmly in the latter tradition. Their barony, a Restoration-era creation, represents a lineage not of battlefield heroics but of civic leadership and intellectual authority. And through their family line, this heritage finds a new expression in Guillaume Apollinaire, whose poetry and vision carried the spirit of France into modernity.

The Barons Desprès of Perpignan: Joseph and Hippolyte

In the early 19th century, Perpignan’s civic life was closely tied to the influential Desprès family. Joseph Étienne Xavier Desprès de Poumeyrol (1766–1849) rose to prominence as a lawyer and public servant. He served as mayor of Perpignan from 1818 to 1827 and was a Knight of the Legion of Honor. Coming from a family of magistrates of the Conseil souverain du Roussillon, his life was deeply rooted in law and public service. In 1824, King Louis XVIII created him baron by royal decree in recognition of his contribution to civic life. Joseph Desprès took the title Baron Desprès de Poumeyrol. His tenure marked a period of rebuilding and modernization in the city after the turbulence of the Napoleonic wars.

Joseph’s son, Hippolyte Charles Desprès (1784–1859), inherited both his father’s civic spirit and noble title. Known locally as Baron Hippolyte Desprès, he maintained the family’s strong ties to Perpignan society. His legacy is closely associated with Château La Tour Apollinaire, which he commissioned as a private residence, blending Belle Époque elegance with the family’s long-standing civic pride.

Baron Hippolyte Desprès built our château near the Têt river overlooking his 40 hectares of vineyards, on land that has now become the Perpignan district of Bas Vernet. In 1831, the baron donated the Fontaine du Baron Desprès, which still stands proudly in Perpignan center; a symbol of the noblesse de robe -- the nobility of law and office. You can see the fountain today at the center of Place Bardou-Job. You will find alternate spellings of the baron’s name, as Deprès or Deprés, on the parks, streets, municipal buildings, and fountains that Perpignan has named in his honor. The baron also continued the work of Bernard Arnaud, one of his predecessors, who in 1809 began planting the magnificent plane trees that you can see in the Square Bir-Hakeim, in the heart of the historic center of Perpignan.

Together, the Barons Desprès, father and son, exemplified the transition of Perpignan’s leadership from revolutionary upheaval to a new era of cultural refinement. Their combined legacy lives on not only in the city’s public monuments, but also in the enduring architectural heritage of the château.

Photograph by Drong~commonswiki, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Portrait of Camilo José Cela

A Stormy Masterpiece in the sunlit Salon: Galdón’s Portrait of Camilo José Cela

Ricardo Arenys Galdón’s Camilo Jose Cela – Portrait En Pied à Cheval makes up the counterpart to our Salon La Rayonnante pair. Its brooding intensity infuses the space with a contemplative atmosphere, inviting reflection and meaningful conversation.

Born in 1914, Galdón enjoyed a distinguished career as a painter, celebrated for his equestrian portraits across Europe, with exhibitions in Paris, Lisbon, and London. He won second and third place in Spain’s National Exhibition of Fine Arts in 1945 and 1955, cementing his reputation as a master of form and composition. In Portrait En Pied à Cheval, Galdón paints the Nobel Prize-winning author Camilo José Cela astride a luminous white horse, set against a tempestuous landscape. Drawing from classical depictions of Louis XIV, Galdón subverts tradition by elevating the artist as muse. Cela’s solemn, commanding expression mirrors the gravity and intensity of his literary oeuvre.

Camilo José Cela, a close friend of Pablo Picasso, collaborated with him across several projects, including Gavilla de Fábulas sin Amor (“Sheaf of Loveless Fables”), showcasing Picasso’s unconventional art. Château la Tour Apollinaire is fortunate to possess a first edition of this collaboration between Cela and Picasso. Much like his friend Picasso, this work helped Cela gain international renown. Cela won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1989.

Cela’s life was as complex as this painting. Fighting as a soldier in the Spanish Civil War, Cela’s life is full of controversies and contradictions. Despite working as a censor under Franco’s regime, his own works (La Colmena, 1951) proved too provocative for Spanish publication. His tremendismo style of writing, centring around dark realism and grotesque violence, proves intense for some, but undeniably sets him as an important figure in the modern Spanish literary scene. Cela also enjoyed experimentation, both literary and artistic. His novel Christ Versus Arizona is composed of a single sentence spanning over a hundred pages.

Galdón’s portrait of Cela is an homage to literary and artistic royalty, and an invitation to explore the intertwined legacies of two Spanish masters. Guests are encouraged to pause and reflect on the stormy beauty of this work, and for those with a passion for literature, a copy of Cela’s seminal novel, La familia de Pascual Duarte, awaits in our Oxford Suite.