HÔTEL DE VILLE
A listed hotel, admirable for the richness of its decor and the barrel vault of its entrance hall.
Completed in 1676, after many studies and laborious construction, it marks the triumph of classical architecture, particularly inspired by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, appointed in the same year as architect of Louis XIV. It replaces an old town house which stood between the king's house (former palace of Podestats) and the clock tower that the city officials wanted to preserve. The building is particularly admirable for the richness of its decoration, sculpted mainly by the Arlesian Jean Dedieu, and the barrel vault of its vestibule, technical daring for the time. It is mainly classified as a Historical monument, and remains the seat of the elected representatives and part of the municipal administration.
On se demande en la voyant si une telle oeuvre serait réalisable de nos jours !
Entrée libre.
A noter que l'entrée des cryptoportiques qui sont situés sous la place se fait dans une salle adjacente au hall d'entrée.