Hôtel de Forbin, Private mansion at Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence, France.
The Hôtel de Forbin is a private mansion in Aix-en-Provence with a facade displaying eight bays and classical architectural orders that extend from ground level to the upper cornice. Today the building houses a bank branch while preserving its historical exterior appearance.
The building was designed in 1656 by architect Pierre Pavillon for César de Milan, a legal advisor to the Parliament of Aix-en-Provence. The residence was created during a period when wealthy legal professionals built grand houses throughout the city.
The mansion displays the classical French residential architecture of the 17th century with symmetrical facades and refined details that remain visible today. This style was typical of homes built for wealthy families in the city.
The mansion is located on Cours Mirabeau, one of the city's main streets, making it easy to reach on foot. Since the building now operates as a bank branch, the interior is generally not accessible to visitors, but the historical facade can be viewed from the street.
The balcony of this mansion was deliberately left unfinished, following a local architectural tradition that is particular to Aix-en-Provence. This detail shows how regional building customs could shape design choices, even in wealthy residences.
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