Hôtel de Villeneuve-Martignan, Private mansion in Avignon, France
The Hôtel de Villeneuve-Martignan is a large aristocratic residence from the 18th century located on rue Joseph-Vernet in Avignon. The building features a central courtyard, several wings, and garden spaces arranged symmetrically around the main structure.
The mansion was built between 1741 and 1753 by architect Jean-Baptiste Franque for Joseph-Ignace de Villeneuve, who served as a consul of Avignon. The building received protected status as a classified historical monument in 1963 and was later converted to house a museum.
The mansion now houses the Calvet Museum, where you can see regional paintings and objects collected over centuries. The rooms show how wealthy families lived and what they valued in their homes.
The building is now open to visitors through the museum, though you should check for any special opening hours or restrictions beforehand. Most of the rooms are arranged around the central courtyard and adjoining wings, so interior spaces tend to stay cool and shaded.
A noteworthy feature is the original Italian-style salon, which was later divided into two separate rooms. This division shows how the use of spaces adapted over time to meet changing needs.
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