Maison Des Arcades Grimaud Var (9)Located in the heart of the historic centre, this arcaded basalt house dating from the 15th & 16th centuries, and its façade and cellar are classified Historic Monuments.
It has been home to some prominent figures such as the powerful upper-class Broquery family in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Maison Des Arcades Grimaud Var (2)Rue des Templiers (aka Rue des Arcades) was one of the first streets in the village in the 16th century. On the ground floor, under the ogival arches and behind the ribs, the building was occupied by shops and businesses.
Hence, customers were sheltered from the heat or the rain as they browsed the shopkeepers’ stands. As a precaution against theft, however, they were not allowed to go inside the shops.
Business was done solely across a counter which opened for the collection of goods that had been purchased and paid for in advance.
Notice the mullion windows on the upper floors. The high steps on the inside twist around a central column that bears 2 coats of arms carved into 2 different types of stone.
Grimaud Village Historique Var 102
Grimaud Village Historique Var 101
Grimaud Village Historique Var 104The staircase and fireplace portray the family’s wealth and are truly majestic sights in this spacious venue devoted to art.
Arcades House (11)
Maison Des Arcades Grimaud Var 12
Maison Des Arcades Grimaud Var 13In 2018, after major work to improve the building’s accessibility, the Maison des Arcades became an exhibition venue and home to the town’s Culture & Heritage Department.
Opening hours:
Contact +33 (0)4 94 55 57 34
Getting here:
Take the Balladou street (which goes up to the castle) then go through the gateway on the left.
