Maison Dupré-Latour, Renaissance mansion in Valence, France.
The Maison Dupré-Latour is a Renaissance mansion in Valence featuring a narrow inner courtyard framed by fluted pilasters and Corinthian capitals. The courtyard displays Italian architectural elements from the 16th century and is surrounded by multi-story facades with classical Renaissance details.
The Genas family, wealthy salt merchants, built this residence in 1522 to display their prosperity and social standing. The house later changed ownership and came into the hands of the Dupré family in 1760, from whom it takes its current name.
The entrance portal displays carved mythological scenes showing the Judgment of Paris and the Abduction of Helen. These reliefs reveal the taste of the wealthy residents for classical subjects from ancient times.
The courtyard can be viewed from the street level, while interior rooms open for guided tours during Heritage Days. The best time to visit is during these annual heritage events when knowledgeable guides explain the history and architecture.
The kitchen on the ground floor retains its original 16th-century fireplace, pantry, and stone sink. This space offers a rare glimpse into how wealthy residents ate and cooked during the Renaissance period.
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