Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel de Sarret, also known as Hôtel de la Coquille, is an iconic monument of Montpellier, built in the 2nd quarter of the 17th century. It represents the most complete specimen of the city for a mannerist decor, with a quadrilateral composition around a courtyard. Among its architectural features are two separate trunks: one overlooking the courtyard, the other under the corner of the house, between the streets of the Palace and the Shell. The reconstruction of the former hotel in Genebrières in 1636 incorporates a structural "shell", decorative and technical element marking the corner of the building.

The façade underwent major modifications at the end of the 17th century, according to the plans of d'Aviler, and was raised from one floor in 1783, leading to a complete overhaul. The building occupies a large part of the island bounded by the streets of the Palace, the Shell, Astruc and Foch. The "shell" itself, composed of long radiating windows, is a technical masterpiece, reinforced by alternating chains and bosses. The arched doors, pilasters and consoles are decorated with acanthe leaves, while sculpted elements are often used.

Reconstructed in novo by the architects Simon Levesville and then Bertrand Delane for Jean de Sarret, adviser to the Court of Auditors, the hotel underwent profound changes in the 18th century. These changes lead to the disappearance of the original staircase, the initial decoration of the entrance façade, and the redistribution of floors by new stairs. Despite these alterations, the ensemble retains exceptional heritage value, as evidenced by its registration in the Historical Monuments in 2012 (Dec.

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