Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel de Bénézet, located at 11 bis rue de la Loge in Montpellier, is a 17th century historical monument, partially renovated at the beginning of the 18th century. This central courtyard quadrilateral is distinguished by an architectural organization typical of the mansions of the time: a rectangular courtyard framed by a large staircase and a wing served by a spiral staircase. A balcony or gallery, located above the entrance passage, connects the two wings and facilitates internal traffic. Access to the courtyard is through a corridor leading to a gate in basket cove, decorated with sculptures and floral motifs, topped by a pediment in a circle segment.

The facade of the large staircase, the most elaborate, presents bays on the ground floor with ground frames and mascarons on the fog. The studs of the stairway rest on arches in the middle of the arches with prominent keys, while the painted ceiling of the upper palace represents an Assumption of the Virgin surrounded by roses and monograms. A major renovation was attested in 1667 by the mason Jean Savy for Catherine de Varanda, widow of Jérôme Pont de Gout, marking an important phase of his architectural history.

The elements protected by the decree of 10 March 1965 include the courtyard facades, the corresponding roofs, as well as the large staircase with its painted ceiling. The entrance façade, however, was redesigned in the 19th century, partially altering its original appearance. The ensemble illustrates the evolution of architectural styles between the 17th century classicism and subsequent adaptations, while preserving carved and painted decorations of great richness.

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