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Origin and history

The Frédéric-Mistral Museum is housed in the last residence of the Provencal writer (1830-1914), a 19th century bastide listed as a historical monument since 1930. This place, where Mistral lived until his death, houses his furniture, works of art, 60,000 letters and 1,200 works, preserved according to his will. The 1000 m2 garden, created in 1876, has 67 plant species and statues, reflecting its attachment to Provence.

Frédéric Mistral occupied three successive residences in Maillane: the Mas du Jeur (infancy), the Maison du Lézard (where he wrote Mirèio and Calendau), and this bastide built in 1875. He received such personalities as Raymond Poincaré or the King of the Belgians, and composed part of his work, which was crowned by the Nobel Prize in 1904. After his death in 1914, the house became a museum in 1944, restored between 1992 and 1995 to preserve its original state.

The southern façade bears monograms inspired by his works (Mireio, Calendal) and his motto "Lou souleu me fai canta" ("The sun makes me sing"). The museum also exhibits portraits, sculptures and photographs, while the tomb of Mistral, at Maillane Cemetery, reproduces the Pavillon d'Amour by Queen Jeanne des Baux. Ranked with its furniture in 1931, the site perpetuates the memory of felibre and Provencal culture.

The Mas of the Judge, a family estate acquired in 1803, was the birthplace of Mistral until 1855, when he had to leave him after his father's death. The Lizard House, which was occupied until 1875, now houses the municipal library and a research centre. These places illustrate the stages of his life, his literary heritage and his commitment to the d-oc language.

The museum is managed by the municipality of Maillane, in accordance with the will of Mistral which bequeathed its house, collections and garden "to make it the museum and library of Maillane". The restorations of the 1990s kept the authenticity of the place, offering a unique testimony of the poet's life and work.

The garden, designed by Mistral in 1876, is a setting of Mediterranean biodiversity with local species and statues by sculptor Achard. The entrance door, decorated with literary symbols, and the classified outbuildings complete this heritage, classified among the French Historical Monuments since 1930.

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