Hotels of Montpellier

The city of Montpellier, in southern France, has a large number of noteworthy historical Hôtels in its old centre. These "Hôtels" are listed on this page with a short description. Most of them were built during the period that Montpellier was capital of the Languedoc, under the reign of king Louis XIV.

Take note that "hôtel" in French rather means 'estate' or 'mansion' in this context than 'hotel'.

Hotels

* Hôtel Baudon de MaunyBuilt 1777, with a flowery façade in Louis XVI style.

* Hôtel de Cabrières-Sabatier d'Espeyran19th century example of a Second Empire "hôtel"

* Hôtel de CambacérèsBuilt between 1723 and 1730 by architect Jean Giral, for the then mayor of Montpellier, Jean Jacques Régis de Cambacérès.

* Hôtel de ManseLate 17th century. Home of the count of Manse, also treasurer to the king of France. The interior façade is designed by Italian artists.

* Hôtel Richer de BellevalThis hôtel was built for Charles de Boulhaco in 1676, incorporating fragments from previous buildings on the site. In 1692, Georges Richer de Belleval took over residence. In 1816 the building was acquired by the city to serve as the town hall. It is located on the Place de la Canourgue, facing the Hôtel de Cambacérès.

* Hôtel St-CômeBuilt between 1752 and 1756, by Jean Giral. The "hôtel" was build with money from François Gigot de Lapeyronie, surgeon of Louis XV, and used as a surgery until 1792 when it was closed in the turmoil of the French Revolution. There is an anatomical theatre inside. From 1801, the building is used as a Chamber of Commerce.

* Hôtel du SarretFrom 1636, nicknamed "Maison de la Coquille" or 'shell house'.

* Hôtel de SolasEarly 17th century, with a noteworhty porch ceiling

* Hôtel des Trésoriers de France
Jacques Coeur, treasurer of the French king, lived in this "hôtel" from its construction in 1432. He let build the vaulted cellars and coffered ceilings in the building. In the 1675, the "Trésoriers de France" bought it, an administrative body in charge of the royal estates in Languedoc, and they added the impressive staircase and façade. It is also known under the name of Lunaret, after Henri de Lunaret who bequeathed the "hôtel" to the city of Montpellier. The building now houses the Musée Languedocien.

* Hôtel des Trésoriers de la BourseBy Jean Giral, also known as the Hôtel Rodez-Benavent. The building has two courtyards with a grand open staircase.

* Hôtel d'Uston18th century, with exuberant decoration consisting of wreaths and cherubs

* Hôtel de VarennesOriginally Medieval, renovated and façade added in the 18th century. The interior consists of several rooms with Gothic rib vaults and ancient Romanesque columns from a church previously located here. The 14th century "Salle Pétrarque" is the official reception hall of the city of Montpellier.

* Hôtel de la Vieille IntendanceHome of sociologist Auguste Comte and writer Paul Valéry.