Pavillion Vendome
Grand manor house with ornamental gardens in the centre of Aix
A 17th century 'pleasure palace', this fine mansion conatins collections of 17th & 18th century Provencal furniture and portraits. It is set in wonderful formal French-style gardens.
Built on the orders of Louis Mercoeur Duke of Vendôme to house his passionate love affair with Lucretia de Forbin Solliès called "Belle of Canet." Surrounded by a magnificent French garden, the main facade is superimposed the three classical orders and is decorated with unique Baroque Atlanteans, garlands of fruit and a mask that would, they say, the features of the Belle of Canet.
The collections consist of many portraits of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and Provencal furniture. Since 1990, the Pavillon has hosted many modern and contemporary art exhibitions. Guided tours are available, and the garden is open to the public all year.
