{"id":24670,"date":"2021-10-15T18:20:53","date_gmt":"2021-10-15T16:20:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/?p=24670"},"modified":"2025-10-03T22:11:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T20:11:20","slug":"montpellier-hotel-richer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/2021\/10\/15\/montpellier-hotel-richer\/","title":{"rendered":"Enter the history of Montpellier with the Hotel Richer De Belleval, nearby the Ch\u00e2teau de Flaugergues and the Presqu’\u00cele de Maguelone"},"content":{"rendered":"
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..at the opposite side of this massive floral buffet<\/strong><\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A table set in front of a bas-relief<\/em> (1931), Louis-Jacques Guigues<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a site which required 5 years of preparatory work and 2 years of renovation, after having been the old town hall of Montpellier, the premium hospitality establishment of Richer De Belleval offers a very fascinating site in terms of historical and cultural richnesses.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indeed, this five-star hotel, recently inaugurated on one of the oldest squares in Montpellier, originally housed a court but also the former town hall of this large city in the South of France.<\/strong>
\nThis is also why, within this building which had been abandoned for many years, we can appreciate the rebirth of this emblematic place for many inhabitants of Montpellier. It is not uncommon for some of them to have been married in the Salle des F\u00eates<\/em>, or to have trod the majestic steps of the central staircase, for the purpose of certain administrative tasks or other duties.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Backed by a three-dimensional initiative, comprising at the same time a cultural, historical and gastronomic component, this rehabilitation project was notably initiated by the involvement of two twins, the famous Pourcel brothers, already recognized for their several establishments and as many stars of the Michelin Guide. In partnership with the interior decorator from Tahiti, Christian Collot who is interviewed during our video below, just before our visit of the close-by sites of the Ch\u00e2teau de Flaugergues and the Maguelone peninsula. <\/strong>By AP<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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..and look up to Jean de Troy<\/strong>, at the top of the Jardin des Sens<\/strong>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At any time of the day, shutters<\/strong> remain open to admire the yard<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This Michelin<\/strong> <\/em>philosophy was thus renewed by the Hotel Richer de Belleval<\/strong><\/a>, in situ<\/em> with a new gastronomic<\/strong> establishment Jardin des Sens<\/strong>, which contributed to the fame of these Pourcel Brothers<\/strong>. This table of excellence<\/em> was established here in three adjoining vaulted<\/strong> rooms, including their period ceilings<\/strong> were resuscitated for the occasion. Indeed, from the first hall<\/strong>, baptized “gypseries room”<\/strong><\/em>, painted by the illustrious Montpellier<\/strong> artist Jean de Troy<\/strong>, two other dining rooms are linked in a row, whose ceiling paintings were discovered in their adopting plaster<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This motivation to go back to basics, in particular by the restoration of these sumptuous decorations<\/strong>, was made possible in particular by the expertise of many actors of the Monuments Historiques<\/strong>, whose the Atelier de Ricou<\/strong> which efficiently played an important role. This renovation<\/strong> workshop brought a cautious care to those numerous notable<\/strong> elements from the past, those were in really bad condition. <\/div>\n
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..never far from these hundreds of colors inside the elevator<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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105 colors of hearts reviewed by the American<\/strong> artist Jim Dine<\/strong>.. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For example, let’s count on the many mysterious creatures<\/strong> carved in stone, located in the courtyard of honor<\/strong> and its so high luminous glassed canopy<\/strong>, were restored by the Romel<\/strong> sculpture workshop, in order to refresh their complexion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Apart from the artistic<\/strong> selection of the GGL HELENIS<\/strong> foundation, where stands some temporary exhibitions<\/strong>, selected by the curator Numa Hambursin<\/strong>. Don’t miss the huge commitment on contemporary art<\/strong>, visible anywhere else in this XVIIth century<\/strong> palace. Thus, watch out the decoration operated inside the lobby<\/strong>, surrounded by neoclassical<\/strong> columns, where you should naturally admire the 105 multicolored hearts<\/strong>, laying on sandstone<\/strong> tiles, featured on this ceramic<\/strong> ceiling. This mosaical<\/strong> masterpiece has been imagined by the artist Jim Dine<\/strong>, in partnership with the Manufacture de S\u00e8vres<\/strong> and the Templon Gallery<\/strong>. <\/div>\n
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..just below the amazing flashy ceiling masterpiece by Jan Fabre<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The giant library reinterpreted by Christian Collot<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This artistic<\/strong> dimension is also pursued in the front desk<\/strong> hall of the Hotel Richer de Belleval<\/strong>, within the graphic performance of Abdelkader Benchamma<\/strong>. Therefore, he decided to invest this room by painting with Indian<\/strong> ink directly on the white vault, according to homemade techniques<\/strong>, while playing on volumes and architectural features.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

In parallel, another inventive spirit offered a second chance to a majestic part of this hotel<\/strong>, in person of Jan Fabre<\/strong>. Therefore, this flemish<\/strong> designer imagined a flamboyant tribute to the city of Montpellier<\/strong>, in the lantern of this Italian<\/strong> styled cocktail bar<\/strong>. If you’re curious for more elixirs<\/strong><\/em>, we invite you to order one of the signature cocktails<\/strong>, melting exotic and improbable contents, like this delicious blend of olive gin<\/strong>, married with yuzu liquor<\/strong> and tempered by an incredible miso emulsion<\/strong>. Unless, you would prefer more classic cocktails<\/strong> or even other creations on demand… <\/div>\n
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..but gets enriched with fancy details<\/strong> in every corner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The atmosphere of the former wedding hall<\/strong> stays unchanged..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a hall which used to host ceremonies<\/strong>, one snake and two phoenixes<\/strong>, evoking the rebirth of this millenary city and of course this hotel<\/strong>, have been composed of 10,000 flashy scarab<\/strong> elytra, from South Africa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Along this major horizontal achievement, stands four vertical panels<\/strong>, also representing many aspects of the history of Montpellier<\/strong> and this edifice, such as wedding<\/strong> and justice<\/strong> for the ancient functions of this place, but also the dynasty of the Guilhems<\/strong> who reigned in this region and at last, the caduceus<\/em><\/strong> of medicine. Indeed, this scientific mention is important for this university city and as well refers to the botanist Pierre Richer de Belleval<\/strong> who founded the Montpellier Botanic Garden<\/strong> and logically gave his name to this charming hotel<\/strong>, despite the real initial owner and builder of this typical neoclassical hotel<\/strong>, was the finance counselor, Charles de Boulhaco<\/strong>. <\/div>\n
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..close to the standing portrait of the designer Christian Collot<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A lovely panorama upon the lobby and bistro hall under a canopy<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Connected to the aesthetics of this period, the though decorative<\/strong> task was entrusted to an autodidact interior designer<\/strong>, deeply inhabited by the exotism<\/strong> of his native Tahiti<\/strong> provenance. For instance, Christian Collot<\/strong> finalized the surrounding atmosphere<\/strong> reigning in this very high seized cocktail bar<\/strong>, by completing with warm green tones and some cosy South Scandinavian<\/strong> typed furniture, for more comfort. However, the nail of the show<\/em> stands in this dizzy bar library<\/strong>, whose shelves went titling down, without falling on us, just by magic<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

As far as we know, this is not the only room revisited by this talented personality<\/strong>, since the rest of the 20 bedrooms were converted into contemporary<\/strong> but precious architectural<\/strong> jewels, without hiding the authentic XVIIth spirit <\/strong>(photo credits: Alex Plato).<\/div>\n
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..or just relax some time in the vintage bathtub<\/strong> of this charming space?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Would you smell the mysterious fragrance of those giant crepe paper<\/strong> flowers?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Depending on your mood, you may ask for the pastel typed junior suites<\/strong>, situated in the 1st floor and filled with some Grand Si\u00e8cle<\/strong> touch. In reality, those personal rooms<\/strong>, the time of a night, were sublimated thanks to elegant, tables and armchairs, in perfect harmony with the unmissable cherubs<\/strong>, fine woodwork<\/strong>, centennial moldings<\/strong> and frescoes<\/strong>, gilding<\/strong> and any other available sculptures<\/strong>. Adding to this, vintage marble bathrooms<\/strong> with ancient designed furnitures<\/strong>, offer their luminous compensations and would wash you with the fine Diptyque<\/strong> amenities. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If you’re more into stronger chromatic tones, you could rather opt for alternative bedrooms<\/strong>, standing in higher levels. Worn with a more colorful palette<\/strong><\/em>, you could benefit there from a unique universe, adorned by the imposing Saint-Pierre Cathedral<\/strong> to admire on the horizon.<\/div>\n
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..and a great view on the legendary Place de la Canourgue<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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As you can see a convenient home automation<\/strong> at your disposal..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On top of that, Christian Collot<\/strong> has also offered there his own cocooning vision, while setting hearty spaces, featuring fine woodwork<\/strong> and patinas<\/strong>, able to match with the purple, blue and several and pomegranate<\/strong> of the velvet complements. In fact, an amazing framework to hang various tapestries<\/strong> and paintings<\/strong>, as true souvenirs<\/em> of ancient times, enhanced by the advanced but discreet technological<\/strong> devices, allowing some pleasant lightful presences, facing this vegetalized Place de la Canourgue<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Believe us, all the conditions are reunited to savor the best of the Occitanian<\/strong> ambiance, in such a luxury case, accompanied by a premium culinary<\/strong> selection of two renowned adresses, supervised by the Pourcel Brothers<\/strong>. A good example of their savoir-faire<\/em> in the breakfast<\/strong> served in the patio<\/strong>, with essentially various breads<\/strong>, jams<\/strong> and brioches<\/em><\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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..with the possibility to have a diner or a drink just under its aura<\/em><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The fabulous high painted ceiling & ceramics by Marl\u00e8ne Mocquet<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first proposition resides in a bistronomical<\/strong> restaurant, named La Canourgue<\/strong>, in honor of this surrounding place and located just at the entrance of the lobby<\/strong>, for more accessibility. Nonetheless, if you prefer more intimacy, some additional tables are possible to book along the magnificent staircase<\/strong>, supplanted by another artistic<\/strong> act.<\/p>\n

Thus, open your eyes on the rehabilitated Cesar<\/strong> busts proudly on the walls, under discover again another beautiful ceiling<\/strong>, where you could contemplate some kind of Garden of Eden<\/strong>. Imagined by the French<\/strong> artist Marl\u00e8ne Mocquet<\/strong>, this realization aimed to animate this golden background, with fancy and tempting ceramic sculptures<\/strong>. Among them, you may easily distinguish red apples<\/strong>, pears<\/strong> and ghost<\/strong> figures, nearby many other details to enlarge thanks to four binoculars<\/strong>, at your disposal. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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..or even have a closer look at the many elements of the bar<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Just borrow those binoculars<\/strong> to observe the random details..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Let you as well get seduced by the seasonal and natural menu<\/strong>, containing many signature<\/strong><\/em> recipes by the Pourcel Brothers<\/strong>. For example, why don’t you select some fresh tataki<\/strong><\/em> beef or a classical ceviche<\/strong><\/em>, reinforced by a wonderful bitter<\/strong> juice and tortillas<\/strong><\/em>. After this step, discover traditional timeless French<\/strong> specialities, like this beef onglet<\/em><\/strong> and its cassolette<\/em><\/strong> of new potatoes, or would you try the house revisitation of gnocchi<\/strong><\/em> drown in a savorful light lobster<\/strong> emulsion, covered by its huge crunchy gambas<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Without forgetting the wine<\/strong> pairing, kindly advised by the sommelier<\/strong><\/em>, either introducing local delights or ancestral safe bets, such as chablis or Loire Valley<\/strong> wines. In terms of desserts, the selection allows you to ask for typical sweet French<\/strong> specialities, naturally revisited by the savoir-faire<\/strong><\/em> of the Pourcel Brothers<\/strong>. From baba au rhum<\/strong><\/em>, passing by, until the ageless, our suggestion here would convey you to a small aerial chestnut<\/strong> cake, in the center of a successful custard<\/strong> sauce. <\/div>\n
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La Canourgue<\/strong><\/a> \/ open every day \/ Place de la Canourgue, 34000 Montpellier (France) \/ Phone: +33(0)4 99 66 18 18<\/div>\n
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..the first batch of this wonderful evening<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Jacques Pourcel<\/strong> nearby his Three Venus of Milo..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Then, behind a kitchen decorated with rehabilitated medieval<\/strong> but also ceramic<\/strong> ornemental elements, you could be naturally surprised to immerse into a magical culinary<\/strong> universe, ready to wake up all your senses. <\/p>\n

Indeed, the Jardin des Sens<\/strong> shares with the guests the pleasure to propose a flavorful culinary<\/strong> experience with their guests, aiming to offer a lasting impression<\/strong> in their minds. It’s an experience built around a few notions of sharing local, premium and for sure fresh ingredients<\/strong>. The Pourcel<\/strong> brothers<\/strong> pursue to cook with a dash of extravagance<\/strong><\/em> and creativity to surprise their gourmets<\/strong><\/em>. Therefore, it’s a cuisine<\/em><\/strong> inspired by their terroir<\/strong><\/em>, from the sea to the plate, enriched with knowledge acquired from their countless travels<\/strong>, around the world, for over thirty years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Jardin des Sens<\/a><\/strong> \/ open every day \/ Place de la Canourgue, 34000 Montpellier (France) \/ Phone: +33 (0)4 99 66 18 18<\/div>\n
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