Certification of the domain XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
First known historical mention.
1718
Construction of master house
Construction of master house 1718 (≈ 1718)
Plans by Jean-Baptiste Franque, unfinished.
1815
Creation of curtains *Psyche and Cupid*
Creation of curtains *Psyche and Cupid* 1815 (≈ 1815)
Wallpapers by Dufour for the living room.
14 mars 2011
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 14 mars 2011 (≈ 2011)
Protection of the architectural and decorative ensemble.
13 septembre 2011
Partial classification
Partial classification 13 septembre 2011 (≈ 2011)
Vestibule, chapel and living room with wallpaper.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
House of master, in total, with its decorations and all its wallpapers, excluding classified parts; courtyard closed with its fence walls, portal, well edicle and dovecote; facades and roofs of all outbuildings; green grove south of the master house; entire funeral chapel, located on Parcel 14 (Box BI 14, 16, 23, 32, 33, 47, 50 to 53): inscription by order of 14 March 2011 - The vestibule with its chapel and decor, and the ground floor living room with all its wallpapers, from the master house (Box BI 53): classification by decree of 13 September 2011
Key figures
Jean-Baptiste Franque - Architect
Designed the master house in 1718.
Pierre Bernard - Master mason
Artisan involved in construction.
Origin and history
The Domaine de Rodolphe, attested since the 16th century, is an agricultural complex organized around a closed courtyard and outbuilding buildings. In 1718, a master house was built according to the plans of the Avignon architect Jean-Baptiste Franque, although the project remained unfinished. This area illustrates the evolution of Provencal rural properties, combining agricultural and residential functions.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the house was enriched with an exceptional decor of wallpaper, especially in the chapel of the vestibule and the rooms on the first floor. The large southern living room houses a complete suite of Psychic and Cupidian hangings, created in 1815 by the Parisian manufacturer Dufour. These elements reflect the artistic refinement of the period and the influence of Parisian manufacturers in the province.
The estate also includes a funeral chapel, a dovecote, and a grove, reflecting the typical organization of the major agricultural estates of Provence. Ranked and listed as a Historic Monument in 2011, it protects both architecture and interior decorations, whose wallpapers are considered a rare heritage.
Architects and artisans associated with the estate, such as Jean-Baptiste Franque and master mason Pierre Bernard, marked his history. Their work illustrates the exchanges between local know-how and external influences, especially Parisians, in the construction and decoration of Provencal residences.
Today, the Domaine de Rodolphe remains a significant example of the rural and architectural heritage of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Its state of conservation and its protected elements make it a site of historical and artistic interest, anchored in the landscape of Morières-lès-Avignon.
