The commercial boom of the 1880s led to the emergence of a new bourgeoisie whose wealth marked the architectural physiognomy of the city.
The merchants built ostentatious mansions adjacent to the warehouse and offices. Of all the villas built in the 19th century, the most original is the Château Armieux, now the courthouse. This medieval castle was built in 1905 by a wealthy soap merchant as a tribute to his wife.