Hôtel de Caumont
| Company type | Cultural center |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tourism, culture |
| Founded | 1715 |
| Founder | François Rolland de Réauville de Tertulle, Marquess of Cabannes |
| Headquarters | Aix-en-Provence , France |
| Owner | Culturespaces |
The Hôtel de Caumont is a protected hôtel particulier situated at 1 rue Joseph Cabassol within the Quartier Mazarin district of Aix-en-Provence, France.
History
Constructed between 1715 and 1742, the hôtel was the brainchild of architects Robert de Cotte and Georges Vallon, commissioned by François Rolland de Réauville de Tertulle, Marquess of Cabannes. Architectural embellishments were crafted by sculptors Jean-Baptiste Rambot and Bernard Toro, notably including the characteristic atlas statues. Inside, visitors encounter an entrance hall featuring an indoor fountain and two separate staircases—one designated for the family and the other for household staff.
Ownership of the property transitioned through several notable figures, starting with Jean-Baptiste-François de Tertulle and later passing to François de Bruny de la Tour d'Aigues. The estate was subsequently inherited by Jean-Baptiste Jérome Bruny de la Tour d'Aigues, a Marseille-based shipowner who also served as Président à mortier of the Parlement of Aix-en-Provence. Later descendants included Marie Jean Joseph and Pauline de Bruny de la Tour d'Aigues; Pauline’s marriage to Amable-Victor-Joseph-François de Paule de Seytres de Caumont, Marquess of Caumont, gave the hôtel its present-day name. The couple had no children, and ultimately, the property was left to a relative.
In 1964, General Isembart sold the hôtel to the municipal authorities of Aix-en-Provence, which then leased it to La Poste. Between 1970 and 2013, it served as the premises for the Conservatoire Darius Milhaud music school. Since 1990, the building has been officially recognized as a monument historique.
At present
In 2013, Culturespaces purchased Hôtel de Caumont for €10 million. Following a thorough restoration process, it reopened on May 6, 2015, functioning as a ticketed cultural center. The venue now offers visitors access to carefully restored parts of both the residence and its gardens, along with amenities such as a gift shop, exhibition areas for art displays, and a small theater, all contributing to its status as a cultural destination.