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Origin and history

The Haguenot Hotel, also known as Villa Haguenot, is a Montpellierian madness built in the 18th century. Located at 6 rue de la Merci and 3 rue Clapiès, this historic monument is a typical example of the country residences of the time. It was designed by architect Jean-Antoine Giral for Henri Haguenot, an influential anatomist and magistrate from Montpellier.

In the 13th century, the land belonged to Étienne Arnaud, brother of the inquisitor Guillaume Arnaud, before being occupied by Dominicans. After several changes of ownership, it was acquired by Henri Haguenot in 1751. The latter, a professor and dean of the University of Medicine, built his residence there between 1752 and 1760. The villa, surrounded by a garden and orangery, reflects the taste for country houses on the outskirts of cities.

After Henry Haguenot's death in 1775, the property changed hands several times before being acquired in 1861 by a family that still occupies him today. The hotel is remarkable for its facades, roofs, garden, and richly decorated interiors, including 18th-century gypseries and woodwork. Several elements, including facades, the garden, and some interior rooms, have been classified as historical monuments since the 1960s and 1970s.

The Haguenot Hotel is a testament to the architecture and lifestyle of Montpellier elites in the Enlightenment century. He is visiting today by appointment, offering an overview of the local history and urban evolution of Montpellier, the villa being now in the heart of the city.

The building is also known for its architectural details, such as the entrance gate adorned with columns and flower vases, as well as its preserved interior decorations, including caryatides, grotesques, and medallions representing the seasons. These elements underline the artistic and historical importance of this monument.

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