An 18th-Century Mansion in Montpellier’s Historic Center Asks €4.8M

Behind a discreet entrance in the historic center of Montpellier lies a rare Southern French folie with quietly intellectual roots — now on the market for €4,800,000, listed with Montpellier Sotheby’s International Realty.

This neoclassical retreat was built on the site of a medieval Dominican convent, later sold to the Mercedarians in 1740 and passed into private hands shortly after. By the mid-18th century, Henri Haguenot — anatomy professor and dean at the University of Montpellier — commissioned architect Jean-Antoine Giral to design a refined maison des champs. Completed before 1760, the Hôtel Haguenot embodied the Enlightenment ideal: rural escape meets classical precision.

Now seamlessly integrated into the city’s urban fabric, this 18th-century stone mansion sits within a terraced garden threaded with fountains and shaded paths. It remains in the same family that acquired it in 1861 — a testament to continuity that’s rare even in France. With its tall French windows, original moldings, multiple salons, and domed vestibule, the property still plays host to private receptions and intimate events, often arranged by word of mouth rather than marketing.

The residence spans over 555 square meters (nearly 6,000 square feet) across several levels, offering 12 rooms in total, including a games room, cellar, and rare indoor parking — an exceptional amenity in Montpellier’s dense Écusson quarter. Outbuildings and a secluded garden create a pastoral counterpoint to the buzz of the city, while its location places it steps from trams, top schools, and just a short drive from Mediterranean beaches.

Located in the Occitanie region of southern France, Montpellier is known for its blend of medieval architecture, research universities, and forward-thinking energy. The Hôtel Haguenot reflects all of it — at once scholarly, serene, and enduringly private. This isn’t just a legacy property. It’s a cultural landmark still in quiet use.

All photos belong to the listing agency.