Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel de Benoît de la Prunarède was built between 1716 and 1720 for Gabriel de Benoît, probably a notable local. The building is distinguished by its entrance gate, adorned with double-volute consoles, split pilasters, and a key decorated with a woman's head. The wooden vantals, separated by a rinceaux-cross, frame an empty oval cartridge. This particularly well preserved portal illustrates the sober yet elegant architectural style of the early 18th century in Languedoc.

Inside, the large living room retains original gypsum decorations, especially around the marble fireplace. The tromeau is decorated with delicate motifs, while the side panels have military and musical trophies, linked by garlands. The door tops, decorated with urns and wingers, complete this refined set. The secondary buildings, added in the 19th century, reflect a subsequent evolution of the site, without altering the original character of the hotel.

Ranked a Historic Monument since 1964, the hotel specifically protects its portal (includingvantaux) and the gypseries of the large living room. These elements reflect the influence of the 18th century decorative arts in a city like Lodève, then marked by a rising bourgeoisie and a dynamic local craftsmanship. The official address, 28 rue du Cardinal-de-Fleury, places the building in the historic heart of the city, although its GPS location is considered satisfactory a priori (note 6/10).

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