Pavillon Vendôme: A Baroque Escape in Aix

Nestled in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, the Pavillon Vendôme stands as a captivating testament to Baroque architecture and aristocratic romance. This historic pavilion, or 'folie,' was commissioned in 1665 by Louis de Mercœur, the Duke of Vendôme, as a secluded retreat for himself and his lover, Lucrèce de Forbin Solliès, also known as 'la Belle du Canet'. Designed by architects Pierre Pavillon and Antoine Matisse, the Pavillon showcases a stunning French formal garden and a façade adorned with Baroque atlantes, garlands of fruit, and a mascaron rumored to bear the likeness of 'la Belle du Canet'.Over the centuries, the Pavillon has passed through many hands, each leaving their mark on its rich history. Following the Duke's death, it served as a studio for painter Jean-Baptiste van Loo and later became a Catholic boarding school for girls after the French Revolution. In 1906, Henri Dobler, a Swiss art collector, painter, and poet, purchased the Pavillon, restoring it to its former glory. Dobler bequeathed the Pavillon and its collections to the city of Aix-en-Provence, transforming it into a museum in 1954.Today, the Pavillon Vendôme Museum hosts temporary art exhibitions, creating a dialogue between cultural heritage and contemporary creation. Visitors can explore the elegant French-style garden, admire the Baroque architecture, and discover the museum's collection of 17th to early 21st-century works, including graphic art. The Pavillon's double helix staircase is particularly noteworthy, featuring a cast-iron handrail and plasterwork with garlands, putti, and eagle sculptures. The Pavillon Vendôme is a designated Monument Historique, with the house listed since 1914 and the garden since 1953.