Hôtel Bonnet

Hôtel Bonnet de la Baume is one of the finest 18th-century private mansions in Aix-en-Provence, standing at the junction of rue Goyrand and rue Frédéric Mistral, right by the historic city center.

What is this place?

The mansion was built between 1786 and 1789 on the former site of the city's mint, the Hôtel de la Monnaie. It was commissioned by Joseph-Philippe Bonnet de la Baume, a counselor to the Parliament of Provence, who never actually lived in it — the outbreak of the French Revolution forced him to flee to Lyon, where he died on the guillotine. After his death, the property passed through several owners: General Miollis, then the de Coriolis-Moissac family, and in the 19th century Jean-Gaspard Goyrand, a doctor and surgeon whose name was later given to the street, formerly known as Rue Sainte.

What will you see inside?

The building is a rare example of pure Louis XVI style, distinguished by an unusually cohesive architectural design that has survived largely intact thanks to careful restoration carried out by successive owners. A grand carriage gate — a remnant of the old city gate — opens onto a paved courtyard leading to a private garden. From the courtyard, the main entrance leads to a monumental staircase whose wrought-iron banister is considered a genuine masterpiece of craftsmanship.

How do you get there?

Hôtel Bonnet de la Baume sits in the very heart of Aix-en-Provence, within easy walking distance of the famous Cours Mirabeau and the old town. Its address spans 2 (2bis) rue Goyrand and 6 rue Frédéric Mistral, both of which connect directly to the main walking routes through the Mazarin district, known for its elegant classical-era townhouses.

When should you visit and how do you tour it?

The mansion is listed as a historic monument, and since 1990 its owners have opened it free of charge to visitors every day of the year, from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm — weekends and public holidays included. This makes it one of the rare private residences in Aix with no seasonal restrictions or closing days, making it an easy stop on any tour of the Mazarin district regardless of the time of year. Early mornings tend to be quieter, giving visitors a better chance to appreciate the details of the facade, the courtyard and the staircase without a crowd.

Why is it worth seeing?

Hôtel Bonnet de la Baume pairs a dramatic history — its patron was executed during the Revolution before ever setting foot inside — with remarkably well-preserved classical architecture. Unlike many of Aix's private mansions that can only be admired from the street, here the free daily access lets visitors step into the courtyard and see the garden and staircase up close, offering a rare, unbooked, unpaid glimpse into 18th-century aristocratic life.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to Hôtel Bonnet de la Baume free? Yes, entry to the courtyard and garden is completely free, daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Is it open on weekends and public holidays? Yes, it is accessible every day of the year, with no seasonal exceptions.

Can visitors go inside the mansion itself? The building remains privately owned — visits cover the courtyard, the carriage gate, the garden and a view of the staircase, not the private living quarters.

Who built Hôtel Bonnet de la Baume and why does it matter historically? It was built between 1786 and 1789 for Joseph-Philippe Bonnet de la Baume, a counselor to the Parliament of Provence, who died during the French Revolution without ever living in the residence he had commissioned — giving the mansion an especially dramatic historical backstory.