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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel Estorc, located at 29 rue de l'Aiguillerie in Montpellier, is a mansion built in the 3rd quarter of the 18th century. Its architecture is organized around an inner courtyard accessible by a narrow vaulted corridor. The stairwell, larger than the courtyard, leads to floors whose bearings are supported by arches in basket coves. This monument illustrates the elegance of the urban homes of Montpellieran traders under the Old Regime.

The gypseries of the living room on the ground floor, now integrated into a bookshop, are the most remarkable element of the hotel. Probably dating from 1757, they adorn the walls of paintings inspired by the Fables de La Fontaine, framed by floral garlands. The ceiling features Rocaille motifs, while the doors of the sculpted wooden cupboards display a Louis XV style with symmetrical frames. These sets are part of a major work campaign authorized by a road clearance of 1757 to the merchant Jean Estorc, then owner.

The hotel has been partially protected since 1965: the gypseries of the salon (cadastre L 2257) are listed in the Historical Monuments. Their state of conservation and style reflect the opulence of the bourgeois interiors of the 18th century in Languedoc. The location of the building in the historic centre of Montpellier reinforces its heritage interest, although the current cartographic accuracy is considered fair (note 5/10).

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