Hôtel d'Esmivy de Moissac
The Hôtel d'Esmivy de Moissac (a.k.a. Hôtel de Villars) is a listed hôtel particulier in Aix-en-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône, France.
| Hôtel d'Esmivy de Moissac | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Hôtel particulier |
| Address | 4, Cours Mirabeau |
| Town or city | Aix-en-Provence |
| Country | France |
| Construction started | 1710 |
| Completed | 1757 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Georges Vallon |
Location
It is located on the corner of the Cours Mirabeau and the Avenue Victor Hugo, in the centre of Aix-en-Provence. Its exact address is 4, Cours Mirabeau.[1][2]
History
Construction began in 1710.[3][4][1] In 1757, its facade was designed by French architect Georges Vallon (1688-1767), who designed many other buildings in Aix, including the Hôtel du Poët at the top of the Cours Mirabeau.[1][4]
The hotel is three-story high. Its facade has two Doric columns supporting the balcony overlooking the Cours Mirabeau on the first floor.[2] Inside, there is a grand staircase with a wrought-iron railing.[2] On the ceilings, there is ornamental plasterwork representing angels.[2]
Its original owner was Lois d'Esmivy de Moissac, an Advisor to the "Cours des Comptes".[3][4] In 1750, de Moissac's grandson sold it to Honoré Armand de Villars (1702-1770).[4][5]
Heritage significance
It has been listed as a "monument historique" since January 5, 1993.[1]
References
- Base Mérimée: PA00081507, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French)
- French Ministry of Culture: Pictures and captions
- André Bouyala d'Arnaud, Évocation du vieil Aix-en-Provence, Les Éditions de Minuit, 1964, pp. 179-180
- Aix-en-Provence Historical Society
- Jean-Paul Coste, Aix-en-Provence et le Pays d'Aix, Édisud, 1981, p. 107-108