Pavillon de Vendôme

Pavillon de Vendôme Review

This extravagant Baroque villa was first built in 1665 as a "country" house for the Duke of Vendome; its position just outside the city's inner circle allowed the duke to commute discreetly from his official home on the Cours Mirabeau to this love nest, where his mistress, La Belle du Canet, was comfortably installed. Though never officially inhabited, it was expanded and heightened in the 18th century to draw attention to the classical orders—Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian—in its parade of neo-Grecian columns. Inside its cool, broad chambers you can find a collection of Provençal furniture and artwork. Note the curious two giant Atlantes that hold up the interior balcony.