Hôtel de Gaillard-Longjumeau

Hôtel de Gaillard-Longjumeau is a 16th-century private mansion in Aix-en-Provence, standing at number 27 on rue de la Verrerie, at the heart of the Ville Comtale district — one of the three historic quarters of the old town, alongside Bourg Saint-Sauveur and the Mazarin district.

How do you get there?

The building sits right in the historic core of old Aix, on the narrow, cobbled rue de la Verrerie. This part of town is best explored on foot — cars barely fit through the street and there's nowhere to park. Rue de la Verrerie works as a natural gateway into the Ville Comtale district, making it a good starting point for a longer walk through the old town that flows naturally into the neighbouring Bourg Saint-Sauveur and Mazarin quarters.

What will you see?

The façade follows the classical French architecture typical of Aix's aristocratic townhouses from this period. The rest of rue de la Verrerie gives a good sense of the same style: worn cobblestones lined with ornate façades, monumental portals, private courtyards and characteristic fountains. A few doors along from number 27 stands the imposing Hôtel de Rascas at number 31, whose façade likewise reflects the wealth of its former owners.

The building's own history goes back to the 16th century, when it belonged to the Isnard family. In 1622 it was bought by Pierre de Gaillard, a royal councillor and provincial war controller, and from that point on it carried the Gaillard name. The mansion stayed in the family until 1771, when it was sold at auction to a certain J. Féraud.

One particular figure ties the house to a much bigger story: Magdeleine de Gaillard-Longjumeau de Ventabren de Venel (1620–1687) was born here. She went on to become governess to the nieces of Cardinal Mazarin and married Gaspard de Venel — a biography that links this modest-looking Aix townhouse directly to the court circle around Louis XIV.

Today the building belongs to the municipality of Aix-en-Provence. It isn't a museum, and despite the name "hôtel," it was never a hotel in the modern sense — the word simply describes a grand private townhouse. In practice, visits are limited to admiring the façade and portal from the street, which is more than enough to appreciate the proportions and detailing of the building.

When should you visit?

Aix-en-Provence has a Provençal climate with mild spring and autumn seasons — the best times for wandering the narrow streets of the old town without the summer heat the region is known for. Rue de la Verrerie, being narrow and lined with stone façades, can feel hot and unevenly shaded in summer, while outside the peak season it's easier to enjoy a quiet walk and get uncrowded photos.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Hôtel de Gaillard-Longjumeau? It's a 16th-century private mansion at 27 rue de la Verrerie in Aix-en-Provence, an example of the classical architecture typical of the Ville Comtale district.

Who owned the building? Originally the Isnard family, then from 1622 the Gaillard family, starting with Pierre de Gaillard, a royal councillor. In 1771 it was sold at auction to new owners. Today it belongs to the municipality of Aix-en-Provence.

Can you visit the inside? No — the building isn't open to the public as a tourist attraction. Like most of the hôtels particuliers on rue de la Verrerie, it's viewed from the outside.

What else is worth seeing nearby? A few steps further along the same street, at number 31, stands the Hôtel de Rascas — another grand aristocratic residence from a similar period that reflects the character of the whole Ville Comtale district.