Life of the region
06/06/2023
Boasting a combination of aestheticism, history, art and heritage, visitors have always flocked to the castles of Provence to admire the beauty and authenticity of their interiors, as well as the excellence of their exquisite parks and gardens. Discover, among the most beautiful architecture in Provence, castles whose stories have forever marked the region's history.
A Renaissance building of exceptional architecture, the Château de Lourmarin also houses remarkable collections dating from the 16th to 19th centuries, including art and musical instruments. Home to the Laurent-Vibert Cultural Foundation, Lourmarin hosts artists in residence and offers a robust program of exhibitions, lectures and concerts each year.
A stronghold of the Castellanes from the 13th to 18th centuries, the Château d'Allemagne-en-Provence bears precious witness to Louis XII-style architecture. Among the most elegant and well-preserved buildings in Haute-Provence, it is nestled in lush green surroundings, and houses a magnificent collection of Monaco ceramics, produced between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries.
A former medieval fortress, modified from the 15th to the 18th centuries, the Château d'Entrecasteaux overlooks sublime gardens designed by Le Nôtre. Among the most significant castles in the Var, Entrecasteaux houses beautiful period furniture, tapestries and renowned paintings. A visit offers a chance to admire Renaissance era kitchens, a baroque music room, cabinets of curiosities, an oriental suite, an Empire room and an impressive library.
A neoclassical gem, the Château de Sauvan is called le Petit Trianon de Provence due its similar architectural style to the Versailles estate castle. Built in the early 18th century, it is surrounded by a beautiful park classified as a Remarkable Garden of France. Private guided tours are available, followed by lunch in the Orangery, creating a special, one-of-a-kind experience in exquisite surroundings.
A colossal fortress in Provence, the Château des Baux is composed of a vast collection of vestiges including chapels, ancient defensive towers, a keep and troglodyte habitats. Offering a unique panorama of the Baux Valley, the remarkable site is famous for its working siège machines, including the largest trebuchet in France.
If castles attract visitors, they also attract the interest of investors and passionate buyers wishing to make them their main or secondary residence. This market is experiencing a renewed zeal, and rarely have castles sold as well as they do today.
The effects of the global pandemic on the real estate market have been surprising at times. While the real estate sector may have feared that its market, particularly the luxury market, would decline, certain properties are attracting new interest: such is the case for castles, which are seeing an unprecedented market growth in 2021 with a 15% increase in sales. The traffic restrictions and multiple lockdowns that we experienced in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 crisis have undoubtedly impacted this situation. The typical profile of castle buyers is urban, in search of wide-open spaces, beautiful architecture and inspiring settings.
Castles have also piqued the interest of the hotel industry, which is responding to a general public interest in visiting exceptional destinations and resorts. Luxury tourism is doing well despite the health crisis, with an ever-increasing demand for unique sites and memorable experiences. The current trend is towards enjoying short, yet impactful stays. Castles provide special investment opportunities for investors in the hotel sector and buyers looking to start up bed and breakfasts, and also for the reception and events industry.
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