Villard mansion, Historical private mansion at 5 rue Dorée, Nîmes, France
The Villard mansion is a private residence in central Nîmes featuring a remarkable staircase that juts into the courtyard while supported on just one side. Iron railings with decorative details frame this structure, showcasing the technical skill required to build it.
André Villard, a royal adviser, commissioned major renovations in 1649 that shaped the building into its current form. This project reflected how the French nobility modernized their residences during that period.
The mansion reflects how wealthy French families organized their homes during the Renaissance, with courtyards and rooms designed to work together. Walking through the exterior, you notice how the space balances private rooms with open areas for daily life.
The mansion sits on a street in Nîmes' medieval old town, where you can view it while walking through the district. Its central location makes it easy to combine with visits to other nearby sites.
The cantilevered staircase was engineered with precise weight distribution to function without a central support. Visitors often miss this technical achievement, which was remarkable for its time.
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