Bonneville City Hall

Built out of ashlar stone, the building was finished in 1853 and is an important example of this period which can also be seen in other neighbouring town halls.

One of engineer Imperatori's masterpieces, the building's neo-classical facade is patterned with four pilasters, the two central ones topped by a triangular pediment pierced by an oculus (currently the clock), all of it crowned by a pinnacle. Three doors with ashlar stone frames open into the hall, whilst the window of the formal reception room on the first floor is adorned with a cast iron balcon. Alternating stone and coloured render provide character to the facade. The entrance hall is home to three historic pieces: • The original bas-relief original (replaced by a copy) which decorated the pedestal of the Charles-Félix column (see “column” for details) • A drill which served to tunnel under the Mont Cenis for the railway, invented by Germain Sommeiller, an engineer from the Haute-Savoie (born in Saint Jeoire). • A stone that came from the Bastille when it was demolished. The patriot Palloy, entrepreneur-architect in charge of the prison’s demolition, gave it to the district of Cluses on the 1st January 1793. A plan of the fortress is framed and displayed above the stone. On the left of the town hall's rear door, you will notice a stained-glass window depicting the coat of arms of both Bonneville and Staufen, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the French-German twinning which dates back to 1963.