Hotel de Caumont (Caumont Hotel), Aix-en-Provence (must see)

The Hotel de Caumont (Caumont Hotel), a museum venue, was a formerly private residence. It was designed by architects Robert de Cotte and Georges Vallon in 1715. It was built for Francois Rolland de Reauville de Tertulle, Marquess of Cabannes. Sculptors Jean-Baptiste Rambot and Bernard Toro created the Atlas near the main entrance.

The hotel passed through several owners from 1715 to 1964, when it was sold to the city of Aix. It was rented to the postal service up to 1970. Until 2013 it was home to the music school, Darius Milhaud Conservatory. The hotel was for high-status homeowners of the chic Mazarin Quarter. It had rooms dedicated to music and socializing.

In the music room is a frame of a harpsichord of the 18th century, carved by harp maker Jean-Henri Naderman. Gilt plasterwork on the ceiling show cherubs at play. The 18th-century bedrooms display the fashion of the time for alcoves and boudoirs. The walls are covered with Rococo motifs, garlands, and Middle-Eastern monkeys.

Hotel de Caumont features a paved Court of Honor and more than 1,000 square meters of gardens. There is also an art center, which houses temporary exhibitions of the greatest artists. The foyer has an indoor fountain. There are two staircases for family and staff. Sections of the house and garden are shown as they were at best. There is a gift shop and a small theatre.