Hôtel de Foresta

Hôtel de Foresta is a 17th-century townhouse in Aix-en-Provence, one of the classic private mansions of the Mazarin quarter, tucked right next to Place des Quatre Dauphins.

Where is it and how do you spot it?

The building stands at 37 Rue Cardinale, right on Place des Quatre Dauphins, in the heart of the Quartier Mazarin — the elegant 17th-century district laid out as a quieter counterpart to the busy Cours Mirabeau. Its facade is a near mirror image of the neighboring Hôtel de Ravel d'Esclapon, which makes this corner one of the most photogenic spots in the area: two almost identical grand fronts facing each other across a narrow street.

What's the history behind the building?

Construction ran from 1667 to 1671, carried out by master builder Jean Jaubert. The commission came from Jean de Gastaud, a counselor at the Cour des Comptes (the regional accounts court), which is why the mansion is sometimes still referred to as Hôtel de Gastaud. Ownership later passed to the Montéty family and then to the Foresta family, whose name eventually stuck as the building's common designation. This layered ownership history is typical of Aix's grand townhouses — the name in common use usually reflects the last prominent family to hold the property, not the original patron.

What will you actually see at the facade?

The elevation is a textbook example of Provençal mansion architecture from the second half of the 17th century. The window bays are framed by pilasters — Doric order on the ground floor, Ionic above it — a composition that grows visually lighter toward the top, following the standard hierarchy of classical orders used on Aix townhouses of the period. It's worth glancing at the neighboring Hôtel de Ravel d'Esclapon too, since comparing the two twin facades side by side is the best way to appreciate the precision of the 17th-century stonework.

The building remains private property and is not open for interior visits — the draw here is the facade itself and its setting on the square.

How do you get there, and when's the best time to go?

Place des Quatre Dauphins is a short walk from Cours Mirabeau, so the easiest approach is on foot, combined with a stroll through the rest of the Mazarin quarter, including the Four Dolphins fountain at the center of the square. The neighborhood is quiet year-round, so there's no real "better" or "worse" season in terms of crowds — what matters more is the time of day. Morning or late-afternoon light brings out the stone detailing on the facade and pilasters best, which photographers will appreciate.

Its protected status underlines the building's significance: the facades and roofs of Hôtel de Foresta have been listed as a monument historique since May 21, 1990, with the rest of the building recorded on the supplementary inventory from the same date.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Hôtel de Foresta? No — it's private property. Only the facade, viewed from the street and square, is accessible.

Where does the building's name come from? From the Foresta family, one of its later owners. It has also been known as Hôtel de Gastaud, after its original patron, or Hôtel de Montéty.

How long does a visit take? Just a few minutes — it's a stop along a walk through the Mazarin quarter, best paired with Place des Quatre Dauphins and the neighboring mansions.

Is it worth combining with other nearby sights? Yes — the neighboring Hôtel de Ravel d'Esclapon, the Four Dolphins fountain on the square, and Cours Mirabeau all form a short, natural walking route through this part of Aix-en-Provence.