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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house at the corner of the streets of Les Balances and Les Trois-Mulets in Béziers preserves flamboyant elements of the late 15th century, probably remains of the ancient Dauphin Hostellery. These ancient parts, although partially preserved, suggest a medieval origin linked to the reception of travellers or hotel activity of local importance. The current building, however, is the result of a major reconstruction between 1650 and 1670, transforming the building into a characteristic 17th century mansion, with decorated courtyards and a large monumental staircase.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the hotel underwent structural changes: buildings were erected in the old garden, and the estate was divided into two separate entities around 1822. The oldest part becomes the Mac-Mahon hotel, while the other section is renowned Castellane hotel. Only the stairway, inscribed as a Historical Monument by order of 12 December 1963, is today protected by heritage. The successive changes reflect the adaptation of the building to the residential and social needs of later times.

The current location at 23 rue des Balances corresponds to a historical area of Béziers, although the cartographic accuracy is considered to be satisfactory a priori (note 6/10). The monument thus illustrates the architectural strata of the city, from the late Middle Ages to modern redevelopments, while stressing the role of private hotels in the urban planning of southern cities under the Old Regime.

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