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Origin and history

The hotel of Albertas, located at 10 Espariat Street in Aix-en-Provence, was built in the early seventeenth century for the Séguiran family, in a Louis XIII style. Originally named Hotel de Séguiran, he passed into the hands of the Marquis Henri Reynaud of Albertas, son-in-law of Séguiran and first president of the Court of Auditors, who entrusted the renovation in 1724 to the Aixois architect Laurent Vallon. The façade was then modernized, marking a transition to a more elegant style, characteristic of the eighteenth century.

In 1745 Jean-Baptiste d'Albertas, son of Henri, had the houses shaved in front of the hotel to create a semi-elliptic square, inspired by Parisian royal squares such as Place Vendôme. This urban redevelopment was intended to highlight the residence, which was previously settled in a narrow street, and reflected the influence of the architectural models of the capital. The hotel thus became a symbol of the aristocratic prestige of Aix.

The monument is associated with historical figures such as Casanova, who stayed there in 1763 on a journey between Marseille and Aix. An anecdote reported by historian D.J.E. Chol evokes an evening where his mistress, Marcoline, would have spent the night with Countess Marie-Anne d'Albertas, revealing libertin customs within the Provencal aristocracy. These accounts illustrate the worldly life and social intrigues that animated the place.

The French Revolution marked a tragic turning point for the Alberta family. The Marquis Henri was murdered in 1790 in his castle in Gémenos by Anicet Martel, a political opponent. His son, Jean-Baptiste Suzanne, had to exile to Lyon in 1794 after the imprisonment of his wife and mother. He did not find his property and title until 1814, under the Restoration, until the family had to rent part of the hotel from 1830 to support him.

In the 20th century, the hotel of Albertas still housed notable personalities, such as the Countess of Bonfils de Lapeyrouse, born in Saint Helena and daughter of Napoleon, who died there in 1907. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1926 (facades and roofs) and then in 1991 (inner elements and court of honour), it remains today a private residence closed to the public, witness to the aristocratic and architectural history of Aix-en-Provence.

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