The count's court

Stand on Rue Emeric David, and the Hôtel de Carcès is easily overlooked. Hidden behind a stone fence, it is one of many private houses on this street, in one of France’s oldest towns. But look again, and you’ll see it’s a different kind of building. This 16th-century manor, passed down through the powerful Carcès family for centuries, is unlike anything else in this part of town. Behind its wrought-iron gate, the erstwhile mansion has managed to survive largely undisturbed, unlike many of its contemporaries.

The entrance door's woodwork dates back to the 17th century, and the building is inscribed on the French list of historical monuments. Stables with wide openings can still be found in the yard. Inside, a room on the mezzanine has a French-style ceiling with a gold background. The Hôtel de Carcès is a private residence and is not open to the public, but visits to the inner courtyard are tolerated during business hours. Public tours are also organized, especially during the Heritage Days.

It is one of several historic houses on rue Émeric-David, including the Cézanne residence (from 1878 to 1881) and the home of Aix-en-Provence painter Achille Emperaire.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons