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Origin and history

The hotel of Camaret, built in the 18th century in Carpentras, is a typical example of this particular hotel. Organized around an inner courtyard and a garden in the heart of the island, it consists of four wings and a vaulted basement. Its northern facade and elevations on garden, made of cut stone, reflect the refined architecture of the Enlightenment century, with ground-chambranled windows, balusters and curved frontons. The interior preserves remarkable elements such as a monumental stone and wrought iron staircase, as well as an alcove room and decorated lounges, today partially used as offices by the sub-prefecture.

In 1838, the hotel, then owned by Louis-Marie Duplessis, was rented to the department of Vaucluse to install the sub-prefecture of the Carpentras district. A survey of 1838 accurately describes the original decorations, now partly disappeared. A few years later, the department acquired the building and undertook modifications, including the reconstruction of the facade, led by the departmental architect Joseph-Auguste Joffroy. The hotel has been partially listed as a historical monument since 18 June 1987, protecting its facades, staircase and certain lounges.

The hotel of Camaret illustrates the adaptation of hotels to modern administrative needs. Its U-shaped plan, with a central lobby leading to the garden, and the distribution of rooms (reception rooms, service spaces, rooms) reflect the social organization of the period. Today, it remains a symbol of the architectural and institutional heritage of Carpentras, while serving as a framework for the activities of the sub-prefecture. The adjoining house in the east, recently acquired by the department, was integrated to expand the administrative premises.

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