Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The hotel of Felix du Muy, located at 31 rue des Cordeliers in Aix-en-Provence, is a mansion built in the mid-17th century, although its architectural style more reflects the canons of the 18th century. The building is distinguished by its "arbalete" façade, animated by wavy windows, framed by two ground pilasters. The Bibémus stone, typical of the region, is visible on the ground floor, while a carved head of Belzebush, flanked by consoles decorated with draperies and shells, overlooks the entrance door. The wrought iron balcony, characteristic of the eighteenth century, has coats of arms in its centre.

The monument belonged, in the second half of the seventeenth century, to Joseph de Périer, Marquis de Flayosc, before passing into the hands of the family of Felix, who gave him his present name. At the back, a garden occupies the location of an old convent cemetery, adding a historical and symbolic dimension to the site. The façade on street, including the vantals of the door and balconies, was inscribed in the Historic Monuments by order of April 10, 1929, thus recognizing its heritage value.

The hotel's architecture illustrates the transition between the 17th and 18th century styles, with Baroque elements such as the ironwork of the balcony and evocative sculptural details. The Bibémus stone, used for its construction, is a local limestone rock, often used in the Aixian monuments for its resistance and aesthetics. The interior and exterior decor, although partially described, suggests a place of prestige, reflecting the social status of its successive owners.

The location of the hotel, in the historic centre of Aix-en-Provence, makes it a witness to the urban and architectural transformations of the city, marked by the influence of noble and bourgeois families. Its inscription in the title of Historic Monuments underlines its importance in the Aix heritage, while protecting remarkable elements such as the ironwork and the sculpture of Belzebush, a symbol both decorative and mysterious.

External links