Pavillon de Vendôme

Pavillon de Vendôme Review

This extravagant Baroque villa was 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 retreat, where his mistress, La Belle du Canet, was comfortably installed. The villa was expanded and heightened in the 18th century to draw attention to the classical orders—Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian—on parade in the row of neo-Grecian columns. Inside the 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.