Travel differently! This is the promise of the Route des Châteaux et des Jardins de Provence. Created by château owners united by a beautiful friendship, this route reveals monuments with extraordinary histories. Whether only remnants remain or they are still inhabited, these châteaux and gardens each have a fascinating story to share with you and secrets to reveal. If you are passionate about heritage, follow the trail of the most impressive historic sites in South Luberon!
55 km to discover seven châteaux in the Luberon
Whether beautifully preserved, lovingly restored, undergoing renovation, or reduced to evocative ruins, each of these sites tells a story that moves us and carries us through centuries of our shared history. Please note: most of these châteaux are not open to the public.
Château de Lourmarin: the first Renaissance château in Provence
Château de Lourmarin was listed as a Historic Monument in 1973. It stands proudly opposite the village of Lourmarin, listed among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’. In the heart of the Luberon, this was the first Renaissance-style château to be built in Provence. Foulques d’Agoult, a great lord of Provence, chamberlain and friend of Roi René, began building the château in 1480, in a medieval style that features a beautiful Italian loggia. His nephew, Louis d’Agoult, continued the construction in 1526, endowing it with its magnificent Renaissance façade, thanks to the advice of the renowned Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio.
From the 17th century onwards, the château was abandoned. In 1920, it was saved from ruin by the Lyon industrialist Robert Laurent Vibert, a passionate art lover. His extensive collections of artefacts, art objects, musical instruments and his library are displayed at the château. During your visit, you can also admire one of the finest double-helix spiral staircases in the south of France. The château hosts artists in residence during the summer. Visitors can enjoy concerts, talks and exhibitions throughout the year. A wide range of activities and treasure hunts are organised for children.
The ruins of Cadenet
The ruins of the Château de Cadenet stand on the site chosen by the Caudellenses (the ‘Cavares’, from whom the name Cadenet is derived) for their oppidum (fortified hilltop settlement) of Caudellium. That is to say, three cliffs with a natural ditch to the north. The whole area was reinforced with ramparts and protected by a guard post located on the Gardis (hill overlooking the site). As a result, the oppidum was accessible only through a single gate to the north.
The Château, which originated in the 11th century as the Castrum Cadenatum, suffered a string of misfortune. It was captured in the 12th century by the troops of the Count of Toulouse, then by those of Raymond de Turenne in the 14th century, followed by his son-in-law Boucicaut, and finally by the Protestants in the 16th century. The château in the village of Cadenet was dismantled in the 17th century by order of Louis XIV, then burned down by the revolutionaries in 1792. It was never restored; on the contrary, it was dismantled stone by stone throughout the 19th century. Without the engravings from that era, it would be hard to imagine that up there once stood a complex of towers, buildings, and crenelated walls. Today, visitors come here for the panoramic views and the remains of the troglodyte dwellings.
The Tour de Ferrier in Villelaure
Be sure to take a look at the Tour de Ferrier of the château on the outskirts of Villelaure. The tower opened in 2022, following renovations to convert it into ‘La Ferme HI bride’.
Designer matali crasset was responsible for the interior renovation project of this historic 12th-century building. From a château to an original farmhouse, this place has now become a living space where everyone is welcome, whether for a mindful lunch or a wellness getaway.
A project blending history from the past with gentle steps towards the future. You can also stop here to sample the farm’s wine and discover its surprisingly designed bottle!
Château d’Ansouis: The art of living in 18th-century Provence
This château, which has been continuously inhabited since its origins, has watched over the entrance to the Vallée d’Aigues since the twentieth century.
The former medieval fortress, once the residence of the Counts of Forcalquier and later of the Counts of Provence, became in the 17th century a pleasure residence reserved for the parliamentary nobility of Aix-en-Provence. As it expanded around the original castle, the Château d’Ansouis stands out for offering visitors a skilful and surprisingly perceptible interweaving of styles.
Visitors can travel back in time, discover a series of gypsum plaster decorations that rank among the finest in Provence, and wander through the sequence of rooms where the fully furnished apartments offer a true immersion in the art of living during the Age of Enlightenment. Tours are led by the owner, Frédérique Rousset-Rouvière. She loves to open the doors of her home, which she speaks about with passion; she is a true open book when it comes to the art of living and building during the Ancien Régime. The Château d’Ansouis also offers an original guided tour, by reservation, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes: The hermitage and its hanging garden. An 18th-century folly. A unique and unexpected place.
Château de la Tour d’Aigues
Be sure to visit the Renaissance Château of La Tour d’Aigues, rising like an opera set. Partially destroyed during the French Revolution, its remains have a few surprises in store. Indeed, the basement of nearly 1,000 m² is home to the Earthenware Museum and various temporary exhibitions. Enter the main courtyard, stroll around the monumental terrace and enjoy the view over the château’s former gardens. The Sud Luberon Tourisme tourist office welcomes you inside the Tour Pavilion from April to the end of September.
Château du Grand Pré in Vitrolles-en-Luberon
You’ll also admire the reborn Château du Grand Pré, a listed Historic Monument that is being revived after nearly a century of abandon. Its new owners, who have a passion for the 18th century and Provençal Art, are restoring the château to its former glory. It was acquired in 1753 by the illustrious medical surgeon, Jean-Gaspard d’Ailhaud.
He achieved fortune and glory after discovering a miracle purgative powder that earned him a reputation even in the eyes of the king. He then became a counsellor and secretary to the king, and also had a private mansion built in Aix-en-Provence (Hôtel d’Ailhaud on what is now Rue Mignet). Still under renovation, the Château regularly proposes guided tours (by reservation) that bring the history of Vitrolles-en-Luberon to life in a fascinating way.
Château de Mirabeau
A fortified castle has stood here since the 12th century, as the first ‘castrum’ was built at the beginning of the 12th century and belonged to the Saint-André de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon abbey in 1119. Château de Mirabeau is historically linked to the Riqueti family. One of its occupants was Count Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, better known since the French Revolution as simply Mirabeau. The castle also once belonged to the writer, Maurice Barrès. Nowadays, it opens its doors just once a year for the Durance Luberon festival held every August. A unique opportunity to learn more about this mysterious château, even if your exploration is limited to the gardens!
Other châteaux also await discovery in South Luberon. For example, the château at La Bastide des Jourdans is magnificent, as is the one at the Étang de la Bonde. Unfortunately, we have too little information to tell you more; they appear to be closed to the public for an indefinite period. To be continued…
A wonderful getaway to discover the most beautiful châteaux of the Luberon!
Discover more about the Sud Luberon
Don’t miss the chance to explore all our villages, local producers, and activities to enjoy in the Sud Luberon. There are still plenty of other hidden gems waiting to be discovered here! Each of our villages offers wonderful walks, and our many local producers each have their own unique style. As for activities, there’s always something new to try, so don’t miss the latest updates by browsing the other pages of the Tourist Office website.
