Hotel de Gallifet (Gallifet Hotel), Aix-en-Provence

Hôtel de Gallifet is an 18th-century townhouse built in the early 1700s by Jean-Léon Léotard. It later became linked to the Gallifet family through marriage, which is how it got its name. The building follows a classic “between courtyard and garden” layout, with a formal entrance at the front and a private garden at the back. This design was common in French townhouses and helped separate public and private life.

The house is also connected to General Gaston-Alexandre-August de Galliffet, a military officer who later became Minister of War in the late 19th century. The architecture remains clear and balanced, with large windows and rooms that were once used for social gatherings. Even though the building has changed over time, its original structure still shows how people lived in this type of residence.

Since 2010, the ground floor and garden have been used as a cultural space run by Nicolas Mazet. It hosts several exhibitions each year, along with events such as jazz concerts, talks, and workshops. The garden includes a seasonal café and restaurant set under old chestnut trees, offering a quiet place to sit and spend time between visits.