The 6 most beautiful castles in the Luberon

Do you want to spend a few days in the south of France? More exactly in the Luberon? Discover the most beautiful castles in the Luberon, historical monuments.

The Luberon massif extends between the Vaucluse and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the south of France. This area is renowned for its beauty and sweetness of living, attracting visitors from all over the world. There you can admire the castles of the Luberon as well as charming villages nestled on rocky peaks, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and lavenders. Some picturesque villages are highlighted by the presence of castles, dating for most of the Middle Ages to the Renaissance .

During your stay in the Luberon, why not make a cultural visit rich in history? A route focused on these monuments will be a real journey in time, to discover the regional historical and cultural heritage. With family, couple or friends, come and discover our selection of the most beautiful castles in the Luberon!

1. The castle of Lourmarin

Lourmarin is a picturesque village, ranked among the most beautiful in France. The Renaissance Castle has been listed as a historic monument since 1973. The latter is built in two parts. Indeed, the first in the 15th century, on the ruins of a fortress dating from the 12th century, and the second during the first part of the 16th century. It is called the small Villa Medici de Provence, especially for its opposite staircase, its loggia, fireplaces and park.

Lourmarin Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in the Luberon. First of all, his visit allows to admire his architecture, but also the period furniture, art objects, musical instruments and engravings. And small bonus for families, children can make a track game for a friendly historical visit. As for adults, in the summer, they will appreciate the buvette installed on the terraces of this very beautiful castle or the seasonal exhibitions of the Laurent-Vibert Cultural Foundation.

2.Lacoste Castle

Lacoste Castle is a medieval castle, built in the 11th century. Classified as a Historic Monument, it dominates the village of Lacoste and originally served its defence. Known as “Sade Marquis Castle”, he belonged to several large families, such as the Varac-Farald, the seigneury of Agoult, and the seigneury of Simiane. He was later bequeathed by Isabelle Simiane in 1716 at Gaspard-François de Sade, who was his cousin. Then, the grandson, the famous Marquis de Sade, sulphurous writer, inherited the castle as a wedding gift, in 1763.

He lived there mainly between 1769 and 1772, and subsequently returned several times, between leaks, escapes and incarcerations at the Donjon de Vincennes. In 1772 he took advantage of his stay to build a theatre. During the Revolution, the castle was looted and partly destroyed. It was purchased by Pierre Cardin in 2001, which launched work to consolidate the building. In summer, the castle hosts the Festival de Lacoste, with dance shows, opera, music and theatre. If you are visiting the region in the summer season, enjoy a show in this castle of the Luberon.

3. The castle of Ansouis

The Château d’Ansouis is one of the must-sees of South Luberon, in a village ranked among the most beautiful in France. Indeed, this private monument is one of the most beautiful castles in the Luberon. And while private, it is possible to visit it from April to end October. The architectural quality is undeniable. The beginning of the construction dates from the 10th century. It was at the time a military fortress, decorated with a dungeon. The dominant position on a rocky peak allowed to monitor the Aigues valley.

It is then owned by several powerful families in the region, such as the Forcalquier, the Comtes de Provence, and the Sabran. Between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, the castle is enlarged and embellished. He then becomes a fabulous testimony of the art of living of the aristocracy in Provence, under the Old Regime and the Century of the Lights. The current owners, passionate about their castle and collectors, have been able to furnish it with a lot of taste and in the spirit of the time. The visit of this building, classified as a historic monument in 1948, allows to admire the Hermitage, the garden suspended from the French, as well as magnificent 18th century gypseries. Without forgetting of course the dazzling panoramic view of the Luberon and the Aigues valley.

4. The castle of La Tour d’Aigues

The village of La Tour d’Aigues, in the Vaucluse, is ranked among the most beautiful in the Luberon. It is also the capital of the country of Aigues, magnified by its famous castle. Renaissance architecture lovers will enjoy this castle of the Luberon, a must in the region. The construction began in the 15th century. But unfortunately, he suffered a major fire in 1780. Then, during the Revolution in 1792, he was looted and burned. Thus, only facades and cellars are spared.

The rest of the building is destroyed, but the remains of the walls are of all beauty, as inspired by the most beautiful castles of the time. However, the entrance gate is beautiful and well preserved. You can also contemplate the doves, corner towers, fine detail and ornaments of the walls. Without forgetting of course the view of the surrounding countryside and the mountains of the Luberon. In the restored cellars, visitors can discover temporary exhibitions, as well as the museum of faiences. In the summer, this castle hosts shows, festivals and cultural events in its courtyard.

5. The castle of Gordes

Gordes is a village nestled on a rocky promontory. He is known to be one of the most beautiful in the Luberon. In the heart of the village, in the dominant position, is the castle delimited by imposing round corner towers. This remarkable castle, combining medieval and Renaissance architecture is millennium. Indeed, we find his trace from 1031. It is therefore renovated and embelli. This included Rambaud de Simiane, whose family ruled over several villages in the surrounding area, which made changes from 1525.

The castle is particularly beautiful from outside. Also, on this rocky piton, the view is stunning on the surrounding countryside. Inside this castle of the Luberon, you can see an imposing Renaissance chimney in the honour room. In addition, it hosts temporary exhibitions. Visit the picturesque village of Gordes, one of the " beautiful French villages » allows to make beautiful pictures of this castle overlooking the plain.

6. Sauvan Castle

Between Luberon and Lure mountain, at the east end of the Luberon massif, a castle deserves the detour. This is Sauvan Castle in Mane, in the Alpes de Haute-Provence. This building dating from 1719 is to be included in a route of the most beautiful castles of the Luberon. Nicknamed "the little Provencal Trianon" by its architecture inspired by the Trianon Versailles , it is the only building of this type in the region. It is also considered a jewel of Provence. The castle and the park listed Historical Monuments since 1957, hold the label "Remarkable Garden".

In 1981, the Allibert brothers bought it and made every possible effort to restore it and redesign it with antique furniture. Thus, they make him his charm of old. It is accessed by a very long alley of immense trees. As for the main façade, it is majestic with its triangular fronton, columns and balustrade. The interior is of all beauty, restored as originally, with refinement. In addition, you can visit the castle from March to November.