The Hôtel de Sade is a witness to the history of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Visiting this exceptional site, a few kilometers from Avignon in the Vaucluse department, you will discover structures dating from all periods: ancient baths, a group of religious buildings from the Middle Ages to modern times, a medieval residence and finally, a private mansion dating from the Renaissance. Some of the archeological discoveries of Glanum have found their place in the Hôtel de Sade. A series of statues, antique furniture and funerary stelae can be found there.
Hôtel de Sade in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Sade family and their mansion
The Hôtel de Sade is located in the heart of the old town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Although the site now belongs to the State, it was once the property of the Sade family, hence its name. Originally, the site only contained a large thermal complex dating from the 4th century, which was revealed during excavations carried out in 1940. From medieval times to modern times, a tithe building, a medieval tower and religious and private buildings were built on the site.
In 1513, a private mansion was built at the request of Balthazar de Sade. This was the last monument built on the site. He chose a style combining Gothic and Renaissance architecture. This construction testifies to the power of this family, ennobled by the pope in the 14th century. The famous novelist and politician Donatien Alphonse François de Sade (1740-1814), better known as the Marquis de Sade, is a descendant of Balthazar. However, he never resided in the mansion. During your visit, you will be able to discover the reception room, located on the first floor. The ashlar arches that can be admired in this room bear witness to the image that Balthazar de Sade wished to give to his residence. The tower, contiguous the reception room, and the mullioned windows are in a typical 15th and 16th century Gothic style.
In 1929, this setting of remarkable buildings was acquired by the State and classified as a Historical Monument. Jules Formigé, the chief architect of historical monuments and Pierre de Brun, the archeologist who founded the Alpilles museum, saved the whole site from ruin. Land consolidation and restoration of the various monuments have been carried out. In 1954, Henri Rolland transformed the Hôtel de Sade into a depot to preserve the archeological collections of Glanum and to accommodate researchers.
<h2>Discovering old Gallo-Roman thermal baths</h2>
Before the Second World War, the excavations carried out by Jules Formigé and Henri Rolland revealed an incredible thermal complex dating from the 4th century. The reuse of these former public baths throughout the different eras has allowed an exceptional conservation. The remains of this building are still visible at the Hôtel de Sade. There are different areas such as the frigidarium, where in Gallo-Roman times cold baths could be taken, or the caldarium, where warm water baths were taken thanks to an underfloor heating system, as well as other rooms such as the tepidarium, the palestra and the sauna.
Discovering old Gallo-Roman thermal baths
Before the Second World War, the excavations carried out by Jules Formigé and Henri Rolland revealed an incredible thermal complex dating from the 4th century. The reuse of these former public baths throughout the different eras has allowed an exceptional conservation. The remains of this building are still visible at the Hôtel de Sade. There are different areas such as the frigidarium, where in Gallo-Roman times cold baths could be taken, or the caldarium, where warm water baths were taken thanks to an underfloor heating system, as well as other rooms such as the tepidarium, the palestra and the sauna.
Chapel of the Black Penitents
The Chapel of the Black Penitents was built in 1563 to house the Confraternity of Black Penitents. Their role was to carry out acts of mercy and charity and sometimes to accompany the salvation of souls. The chapel was entrusted to this community from 1566 until the revolution. After being occupied by a mountain electoral section, it changed its function many times. It became successively a theater, a carpentry, and a forge.
Today, following the collapse of the vault, only the western part can be seen. However, you can still marvel at its rib vault.
Archeological collections of the Hôtel de Sade
The Hôtel de Sade now houses a collection of works discovered on the archeological site of Glanum. A series of major antique sculptures, some of which represent Emperor Augustus and his wife, Livia, are on display in the reception room of the Renaissance wing. Military trophies can also be seen, elements of armored torsos of captive Gallic warriors. Walking through the different rooms, you will discover exhibitions that evolve over the years. In the storerooms of the medieval building next to the hotel, you can admire a collection of painted plaster and mosaics from the excavations carried out in Glanum. This building was once a seigneurial residence, today only the lower part is still accessible.
The hotel offers visitors the opportunity to familiarize themselves with archeology, a discipline that is often misunderstood. A tour retraces the various stages from excavation to laboratory research work.
Prepare your visit
The Hôtel de Sade is open every day in summer season, from June 1st to September 22nd, with the following schedules: from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
You can pick up a visit document at the reception desk of the Hôtel de Sade, it is available in French, English and German. To learn more about the mansion and the furniture discovered during the excavations, opt for a guided tour. These begin at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (with reservations), groups must book.
Website: http://www.hotel-de-sade.fr/
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