Château de la Mignarde

The Château de la Mignarde is an 18th-century mansion in Aix-en-Provence with a grand facade pierced by twenty-seven windows. Inside, multiple rooms feature fine stonework details throughout their decoration.

The building dates from the 17th century but underwent major transformation around 1770 under Sauveur Mignard's direction. This renovation gave the estate its current appearance as an elegant residential property.

The drawing room displays hand-painted wallpaper depicting Chinese rice fields, reflecting how 18th-century French society embraced Asian artistic styles. These wall decorations show how people of that era imagined distant lands and brought those visions into their homes.

The château is accessible only through group visits that must be arranged in advance. Planning ahead allows you to secure a guided tour and experience the interior properly.

Pauline Bonaparte visited in 1807 and allegedly ordered staff to silence the frogs and cicadas in the gardens using long poles. This anecdote reveals the demands that aristocratic guests made for absolute quiet in their surroundings.

Location: Aix-en-Provence

GPS coordinates: 43.56630,5.47580

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:28