Maison de Ravel

English translation

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History

In 1630, the shipowner Esteban Etcheto had this house built facing the port developed in the 17th century. From 8 May to 15 June 1660, Mazarin stayed in this house on the occasion of the marriage of Louis XIV to the Infanta Marie-Thérèse. Maurice Ravel was born there on 7 March 1875. He spent the first months of his life there and subsequently stayed twenty-three times in the Pays Basque where he composed the Boléro, the Trio, the concerto for left hand, the concerto in G. The façade of this rectangular dwelling is surmounted by a gable with a curvilinear pediment pierced with an oval oculus surrounded by curved ramps. The whole is underlined by a cornice and finial balls. On the rear façade, each opening is surmounted by an oculus with 17th century ironwork. Inside, a vestibule leads to a staircase whose newel rests on a Tuscan column. This staircase with turned balusters is set within a timber-framed cage. Only the third floor has retained its original layout. The bedrooms and private areas are separated by the landing. On the quay side, the apartment consists of a panelled salon and an alcove. It is said to have been panelled and painted in pale green according to Mazarin's taste.