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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Hotel de Cabris, located 2 rue Mirabeau in Grasse, is a mansion built between 1772 and 1774 by the architect Jean Orello for Jean-Paul de Clapiers, Marquis de Cabris. The latter, married in 1769 to Louise Riquetti de Mirabeau (sister of the revolutionary Mirabeau), abandoned the building to the Revolution and fled to Italy. A revolutionary national library was set up there, marking its first public use after the departure of its owners.

In 1813, the daughter of the Clapiers, Pauline de Navailles, sold the hotel to the Bruery brothers, who were part of Fatsian perfumers, due to family debts. They install their factory there, partially degrading the building. Their heirs then use it as a warehouse for their perfumery. From the late 19th to the early 20th century, the hotel became a residential building and underwent many changes, losing part of its original character.

In 1919, François Carnot, son of President Sadi Carnot, rented and then bought the hotel in 1925. He launched a subscription to restore the missing elements and founded the Fragonard Museum in 1921. The town of Grasse finally acquired the building in 1952 and established the Museum of Art and History of Provence in 1977. The hotel is listed as a historic monument by decree of 13 June 1962, protecting its facades, roofs and the floor of its garden.

The building stands out from the former Cabris hotel, also located in Grasse, and today embodies both architectural and museum heritage. Its history reflects the political (Revolution), economic (scent industry) and cultural (museums) upheavals that have marked the region since the 18th century.

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