The 18th-century Maison Margarot in Calvisson

The Maison Margarot is a Louis XV style hôtel particulier located in Calvisson. Built in the late 18th century, the building is notable for its large proportions and the quality of its construction. It is the only building of its type in the Vaunage region that can be compared, in terms of dimensions and quality, to the grand town houses of major urban centers from that period.

The site originally housed an oil mill that existed as far back as 1542. By 1664, the mill was owned by twelve shareholders. In August 1766, Claude-Vincent Granier, a wealthy brandy manufacturer, purchased all the shares. While the mill was destroyed and rebuilt by private individuals, the community began significant works on the nearby bridge in 1776, including changing the water channels that served the mill.

The current residence was built after 1776 using soft ashlar stone. It features a central wing and two projecting sections across three levels, overlooking a garden toward the town square. The garden was established between 1845 and 1850 by Auguste Maroger, who was then the mayor of Calvisson. The facade features high-quality molding, though it is heavily degraded from the use of stone from the Mus or Aigues-Vives quarries.

The building is listed as a historic monument, a status granted in 2011 to preserve its remaining architectural elements. The exterior is decorated with ornate ironwork on the balconies and rich woodwork on the doors. Inside, the house retains a beautiful staircase, although it was stripped of many decorative elements such as wood paneling and fireplaces. The house has been on the market for several years because the cost of renovation is considerable.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons