Sabatier d'Eysperan Museum, Montpellier

The Sabatier d'Eysperan Museum, or Hôtel de Cabrières-Sabatier d’Espeyran, is a stunning 19th-century mansion located in Montpellier, serving as the decorative arts department of the Fabre Museum. Bequeathed by Madame Frédéric Sabatier d’Espeyran in 1967, the museum showcases an extensive collection of furniture, ceramics, and objets d’art, offering visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Montpellier’s elite during the late 19th century.

The building, constructed between 1874 and 1875 for Count Charles Despous de Paul, a prominent member of Montpellier's society, stands as a testament to the opulence and sophistication of its era. The period rooms on the first floor, meticulously restored, recreate the ceremonial apartments of the count, displaying authentic furnishings and decor that reflect the customs and tastes of the upper middle class. These rooms, which include the stately dining room, the grand reception hall, and the intimate red salon, provide a rare view into the ceremonial life of the time.

On the second floor, visitors can explore a collection of exquisite 18th-century French furniture, some of which was originally housed in the Parisian apartment of Madame Frédéric Sabatier d’Espeyran. This collection, alongside recent acquisitions from the Montpellier antique dealer Jean-Pierre Rouayroux, traces the evolution of French decorative arts from the Regency period to the early 19th century. Notable works by master carpenters and cabinetmakers such as Augustin Pajou add to the richness of the exhibits.

The museum also houses an impressive array of ceramics and silverware on the ground floor, featuring nearly 500 pieces, including Languedoc earthenware and European porcelain. Highlights include a historiated dish from the Fontana workshops in Urbino, donated by François-Xavier Fabre in 1825, as well as a series of pharmacy vases from Montpellier and 18th-century tableware from Moustiers, Marseille, and Strasbourg.

Recognized for its cultural significance, the Sabatier d’Eysperan Museum received the "Maisons des Illustres" label in 2013, further cementing its status as a historical landmark that preserves and celebrates the legacy of Montpellier’s past.