Hotel d'Assezat (Assezat Mansion) and Bemberg Foundation, Toulouse

Hotel d'Assezat (Assezat Mansion) and Bemberg Foundation, Toulouse (must see)

The Assezat Mansion in Toulouse is a 16th-century French Renaissance mansion originally built for merchant Pierre Assézat. It now houses the Bemberg Foundation's art gallery. Noted for its pristine condition, the property is a jewel of Renaissance architecture in southern France, showcasing early French classicism with Italian Mannerist influences.

Pierre Assézat, a prosperous founder of the local Merchant Exchange, initiated the construction of this mansion around 1562. As a Calvinist, he faced religious persecution and was temporarily exiled. He returned and recanted ten years later, dying in Toulouse in 1581. Since then the mansion had changed hands several times before in 1894 the last owner bequeathed it to the city for use by learned societies.

The building showcases a blend of classical and mannerist architecture, with its facade inspired by classical models like the Coliseum, featuring twin columns across three floors (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian). Unique to this structure are the various mannerist ornaments such as cabochons and masks, illustrating themes of luxury and abundance. The main gate marries strength with intricate detailing, highlighted by Doric pilasters and a mullioned window framed by Ionic pilasters, adding a refined elegance to the overall composition.

Inside the courtyard, the loggia and the passageway decorated with arches and grotesque masks on scrolled consoles illustrate the manneristic aesthetic, merging the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms. The staircase pavilion features a large staircase adorned with architectural orders and a male term (which is half man and half pilaster), symbolizing both knowledge and humor through its design.

Since 1994, the building has been home to the Bemberg Foundation, showcasing the extensive private art collection of Argentine Georges Bemberg. This collection features a wide array of European artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and ancient books. In particular, it encompasses significant pieces from the Flemish, Dutch, and Italian Renaissance, with notable works by Titian and Tintoretto. Highlights also include 19th- and early 20th-century paintings, showcasing styles like impressionism and fauvism, featuring Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Cézanne, as well as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and others.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toulouse. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Hotel d'Assezat (Assezat Mansion) and Bemberg Foundation on Map

Sight Name: Hotel d'Assezat (Assezat Mansion) and Bemberg Foundation
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Toulouse, France

Create Your Own Walk in Toulouse

Create Your Own Walk in Toulouse

Creating your own self-guided walk in Toulouse is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Toulouse Markets and Shopping Streets

Toulouse Markets and Shopping Streets

Like many other cities in France and Southern France in particular, Toulouse boasts a delightful array of shopping areas. At Galeries Lafayette, a renowned department store, you can find exclusive French items for sale - no problem; however, to discover some truly great bargains – from organic vegetables to antiques, – a visit to Toulouse's street markets is a must.

One of the most...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Churches Tour

Historical Churches Tour

Toulouse's historical center is full of architectural marvels, many of which are churches. The variety of basilicas, cathedrals, and cloisters built in the city throughout the 11th-19th centuries is complemented by the richness of styles serving as a testament to both faith and craftsmanship.

The 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. It's known...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Architectural Jewels of Toulouse

Architectural Jewels of Toulouse

It doesn't take an architectural expert to appreciate the beauty of Toulouse's historic buildings. Walking the city's streets one can't help admiring the galore of ancient architecture which has earned Toulouse, since as early as the 16th century, the title of "the most beautiful city in France".

Once a powerful provincial capital, Toulouse utilized its prosperity,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Toulouse Introduction Walking Tour

Toulouse Introduction Walking Tour

Known affectionately as "The Pink City" (La Ville Rose) due to the terracotta bricks used in many of its buildings, the capital of the Occitania region of France – Toulouse – offers a blend of historical intrigue and modern dynamism. Originally known as Tolosa (the meaning of the name is unknown), it was established as a military outpost by the Romans in the 2nd century BC.

...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Pub Crawl of Toulouse

Pub Crawl of Toulouse

There are some really great little pubs in Toulouse. This guide helps you find a few of the local favourites, one pint after the other. Discover good craic at Mulligans and The Killarney; be amazed at what's on tap at Bar l'Ancienne Belgique and Bar La Tireuse; and put the English back in...