This edifice, adorned with lovely 18C and 19C sculpture, was initially designed in honour of the visit of Louis XIV and housed the arsenal quartermasters in the 18C. It became a naval préfecture in 1800 and remained part of the Navy until 2002. Purchased by the town, it is currently the headquarters of the gendarmerie schools. On the side overlooking the road, it is preceded by a huge gate built in 1770.