Museum of the Pavillon de Vendôme

  • Museum
  • Fine Arts
  • Arts and culture
  • Decorative arts
  • Museum of France
13, rue de la Molle ou, 32 Rue Célony, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Beautiful atlantes on the façade announce this classical style "folly" which was built in 1665 by Pierre Pavillon and Antoine Matisse for the Duke of Vendome, governor of Provence and cousin of Louis XIV.
The Pavillon Vendôme is the most attractive folie bequeathed to us by the 17th century. It was built at the request of Louis de Mercoeur, Duke of Vendôme. The grandson of Henry IV and Gabrielle d'Estrées, he was appointed Governer of Provence in 1652.

Legend has it that the prince fell in love with Lucrèce de Forbin Solliès, known as the "Belle du Canet", and had this "folie" built for her.
A series of owners succeeded him. In 1906, Henri Dobler, an enlightened art-lover, bought and restored the Pavillon and obtained official recognition for it. In 1914, the Pavillon de Vendôme became the first building in Aix to be listed as a Historic Monument. Dobler bequeathed the building and collections to the City of Aix, and the site was opened to the public as a museum on 8 July 1954.

The double helix staircase in the Pavillon de Vendôme is one of the finest of the Aix series and dates from the early 18th century. It combines a harmonious structure with grandiose decoration. The cast-iron handrail and the plasterwork, garlands, putti and eagle sculptures combine to produce a majestic Baroque effect.

The immense French-style garden has been listed among the Historic Monuments since 1953.
The Pavillon de Vendôme Museum collection is made up of works from the 17th until the early 21st century, including an important group of graphic art works. It regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions, helping to develop a dialogue between cultural heritage and contemporary creation.
The museum is listed as a historic monument.
The Pavillon Vendôme is the most attractive folie bequeathed to us by the 17th century. It was built at the request of Louis de Mercoeur, Duke of Vendôme. The grandson of Henry IV and Gabrielle d'Estrées, he was appointed Governer of Provence in 1652.

Legend has it that the prince fell in love with Lucrèce de Forbin Solliès, known as the "Belle du Canet", and had this "folie" built for her.
A series of owners succeeded him. In 1906, Henri Dobler, an enlightened art-lover, bought and...

Services

Services

Rates

Rates

Full price
4€
✘ Free access with the City Pass Aix-en-Provence (free visit)
✘ Free for under 26 years old, students, journalists, municipal staff, teachers and those who are granted legal 10% aid of the CPA.
✘ Free admission every first Sunday of each month

Payment methods

Payment methods

Payment methods

Bank/credit cardBank/credit card
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CashCash

Openings

Openings

From 1 January 2025 until 15 October 2025 - Closed on tuesday

On demand

Location

Location

Museum of the Pavillon de Vendôme
13, rue de la Molle ou, 32 Rue Célony, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Updated on 21 February 2025 at 17:16
by Office de Tourisme d'Aix en Provence
(Offer identifier : 5539372)