Castles of Provence

Castles of Vaucluse

- Castle of Lourmarin
On a cape, the castle bases on the ancient fortress from the XIIth century. At the beginning of the XXth century, it collapsed. Due to a fortunate manufacturer, an important restoration began in 1920. The castle became then a cultural and artistic place, then a Foundation. It was classified ancient monument in 1973.
Visits and information : www.chateau-de-lourmarin.com

- Castle of Ansouis
Classic fortress, the castle knew modifications in the XIIth and XIIIth centuries and was enlarged in the XVIIth century. The charm of this site lies in its gardens, its copses and the terraces from which you will discover an exceptional panorama on the Saint Victoire Mountain. Classified ancient monument in 1948, the castle was for a long time the property of the Sabran family. It was recently sold.
Information : 06 84 62 64 34 - 04 90 77 23 36 - www.chateauansouis.fr

- Castle of Lauris
The medieval fortification was destroyed in the XVIIIth century and replaced by the current monument of which the construction stopped with the Revolution. This classic house sits solidly on a terrace overhanging the cliff. The castle is today an old people's home. All the charm of this place lies in its ponds, the fountains and especially its gardens, conservatory of plants used in dyeing.
Visits from may till september.

- Castle of the environment in Buoux
This medieval monument is the ancient property of the Lords of Buoux. It was transformed in the XVIIth century to remain unfinished in the Revolution. Since 1987, the castle has been the property of the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon. No visit.

- Castle of Gordes
This building, classified ancient monument in 1931, dates from the XIth century. It was reconstructed in the XVIth century.
Opened all days from 10 am till 12 am and from 2 pm till 6 pm. Closed on Tuesday excepted in July and in August.

- Marquis de Sade' s Castle in Lacoste
The Castle, alternately Simiane family, Gaspard-François de Sade, Marquis de Rovère and André Bouer's property belongs today to Pierre Cardin who has given it a second breath by organizing each year a Festival of music and theater in its careers.

- Castle of la Tour d’Aigues
Medieval castle built around a primitive donjon in the XVth century, then "Renaissance" castle in the XVIth century, this building was enriched of numerous collections before collapsing at the end of the XVIIIth century. Restored in the XXth century, the castle is today dedicated to art, history and culture.
More information : www.chateaulatourdaigues.com

- Palais des Papes in Avignon
Representing the influence of the church on the Christian West, its construction began in the XIVth. Nowadays, this monument is one the most important Gothic palaces of the world. It is a part of a whole classified "world patrimony of the humanity" by Unesco. It is also a cultural place.
More information : www.palais-des-papes.com

Castles of Bouches du Rhône

- Castle of La Barben
Between Salon de Provence and Aix en Provence, this castle from the XIth century is classified ancient monument. Originally medieval fortress, this castle allies today austerity and classicism. The formal garden of this castle is beautiful. It was drawn by André Le Nôtre.
More informations: www.chateaudelabarben.fr

- Castle of Barbentane
Marquis de Barbentane's property, this castle dates from the XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries. Its terraces overhang a magnificent raised park.
Visits and information : 04 90 95 51 07.

- Castle of Les Baux de Provence
This castle is an ancient medieval fortress from the Xth century based on a rocky crest from which there is a quite unique view on the surrounding landscape.
More information : www.chateau-baux-provence.com

- Castle of la Buzine in Marseille
Situated in the 11th district of Marseille, this castle, classified ancient monument in 1996, dates from the XIXth century. Today property of the city which wishes to make there a cultural whole, it belonged for a long time to Marcel Pagnol.

Castles of Alpes de Haute Provence

- Castle of Esparron
Classified ancient monument, this castle was built by the Castellane family in the XIIIth century and always belongs to her. It mixes the major architectural styles from the Middle Age till the XVIIIth century. Its donjon and its spiral staircase are quite unique. It is today reconverted into guest houses.

- Castle of Mirabeau
Dating from the XVIIIth century and near Thoard, it was half destroyed by a fire.

- Castle of Fontenelle
This castle with four turrets, private property, dates from the XVIIth century. It is classified ancient monument.

Castles of Hautes Alpes

- Castle of Montmaur
At feet of the Massif of Arouze, this castle dates from the XIVth century. It was classified Ancient Monument in 1988. Bought in 2006 by the General Council of the Hautes-Alpes, numerous animations have been organized to put this quite unique patrimony o the front.
More information : www.chateau-montmaur.com

Castles of Var

- Castle of Grimaud
This castle dates from the XIIth century. At the end of the XVIIIth century, the castle acted as stony career. In 1928, the ruins are listed Ancient Monument. In the middle of the XXth century, works of consolidation were led. In 1996, the castle was classified Ancient Monument. There are today only ruins.

Castles of Alpes Maritimes

- Castle Gourdon
This castle dates from the Middle Age. Indeed, the Saracen fortress dates from the IXth century. In the XIIth century, a fortified town came to complete the building. The current castle dates from the XVIIth century. It was classified ancient monument in 1971. Visit of the castle and its collections.

- Castle of La Napoule
Situated in Madelieu-la-Napoule, this castle dates from the XIVth century. There were numerous additions and modifications. The castle was classified ancient monument in 1993. Today it appears as a cultural and artistic place.