In 1652, Louis de Vendôme, cousin of King Louis XIV, was sent to Provence to pacify the region and reinforce royal authority. The gentle, pious man was much appreciated by the people of Aix and was appointed Governor of Provence in 1654. Ten years later, he was offered 20,000 pounds to build himself a private mansion in the heart ofAix-en-Provence.
Legend has it that the construction of the Pavillon de Vendôme was motivated by the Duke's love for Lucrèce de Forbin-Solliès, also known as the "Belle du Canet", who would meet him there at nightfall. He died there in 1669, aged just 57, and it is said that his 'exercises' with the Belle ended up killing him...