The Castles
of Haute-Provence
SIMIANE-LA-ROTONDE
Perched atop the village of Simiane-la-Rotonde, the castle, listed as a historic monument since 1862, proudly overlooks the surrounding landscapes and lavender fields.
As you step through its gates, you’ll plunge into a thousand years of history. Once the property of the powerful Agoult-Simiane family, this structure—both defensive fortress and noble residence—has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, marked by periods of prosperity and abandonment.
Explore the Castle
With family or friends, discover the medieval castle of Simiane-la-Rotonde on a captivating guided tour. Immerse yourself in a thousand years of history, admire the magnificent rotunda with its Romanesque architecture, and explore the vestiges of the past. An immersive journey into the heart of Provençal heritage, blending art, history, noble legends, and breathtaking views.
Music at the Castle!
Led by a team of volunteers, the Association des Riches Heures Musicales de la Rotonde organizes an early music festival held annually during the first two weeks of August in the Rotunda’s upper chamber.
For over forty years, this world-renowned festival has showcased performing ensembles in the Rotunda’s exceptional acoustics.
Find the full program on the castle’s website or at www.festival-simiane.com
Aromatherapy at the Castle
Within the castle, two rooms of the Renaissance apartment are dedicated to aromatic and medicinal plants. This space is devoted to essential oils and was formerly the Laboratoire Sainte-Victoire, founded by Jean-Noël Landel, a native of Simiane. It is now managed by Young Living Europe, which brings together enthusiasts from around the world in Simiane each year. You’ll find information on lavender, distillation, and the uses and benefits of essential oils. Recently, the castle has revived the tradition of lavender demonstrations within its walls.
A Venue for Contemporary Exhibitions
Throughout the year, the castle of Simiane-la-Rotonde hosts temporary exhibitions on varied themes, featuring painting, sculpture, photography, and video art. These events showcase contemporary artists within the historic setting of the castle, offering an enriching cultural experience that unites medieval heritage and contemporary artistic creation.
rates & opening hours
visit the castle website :
Rates & opening hours
Simiane la Rotonde castle
Le haut village
04150 Simiane-la-Rotonde
Tel. : 04 92 73 11 34
Mail : contact@simiane-la-rotonde.fr
chateau du villard
Nestled in the Luberon Regional Nature Park in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Château du Villard stands proudly on the hill overlooking Revest-des-Brousses. This castle was built out of love for a woman, Delphine de VACHERES, who married Pierre de Mathieu at the end of the 15th century. As her wedding dowry, she received the lordship of Revest-des-Brousses from her father, Boniface de VACHERES. The castle remained in the family until the Revolution, after which it was converted into a farmhouse.
After standing abandoned for two decades, the castle underwent extensive restoration between 2020 and 2024 to restore its former splendor—an initiative that has helped preserve the region’s heritage.
This historic 15th-century château features authentic Provençal furniture spanning three centuries (15th to 18th) and numerous remarkable collections.
Your visit begins in the entrance tower with its beautiful helical staircase, leading you into a hall decorated with an Asian art collection.
You’ll then discover the grand Regency-era salon and an early French period dining room with exceptional furniture, followed by a beautiful Louis XVI bedroom adorned with period engravings. The state bedroom will dazzle you with its sumptuous wall fabrics, stone fireplace, and magnificent baroque theatrical bed. A chapel adorned with magnificent statues invites quiet contemplation. Finally, you’ll encounter an exceptional cabinet of curiosities featuring ancestral collections that span from prehistory to antiquity. Of particular note is a remarkable collection of pre-Columbian objects, especially from the Mayan civilization.
rates & opening hours
visit the castle website :
Rates & opening hours
Château du Villard
Le Villard
04150 Revest-des-Brousses
Tel. : 04 92 73 11 34
chateau dE SAUVAN
The Château de Sauvan, also nicknamed the “Little Trianon of Provence,” stands peacefully in Mane, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Renowned for its classical architecture, it is one of the rare examples of this style in Provence, entirely protected as a historic monument since 1957 (including facades, roofs, park, staircase, and terraces).
Built between 1719 and 1720 by Joseph Palamède de Forbin-Janson, according to plans by architect Jean-Baptiste Franque, the château perfectly reflects the grandeur of the 18th century. The Forbin family, enriched through maritime trade in Marseille, left its mark on the region’s history through several prestigious estates, including Sauvan, La Barben, and La Verdière.
The site largely escaped revolutionary upheaval, save for hammer damage to the pediment. In 1810, the château was sold to Abbé Solliers, eventually passing to his niece, Marie-Rose Chambaud de Cochet, wife of Count Servan de Bezaure.
After a long period of decline, the château was purchased in 1981 by brothers Jean-Claude and Robert Allibert, antique dealers, who miraculously restored and refurnished it with period pieces.
Gardens and Landscape Architecture
The park surrounding the château, designed as French-style terraces, is remarkable: adorned with pools, aviaries, yews and lime trees, bordered by boxwood embroidery, it gracefully embraces the steep terrain. A true gem, it has been designated a Jardin Remarquable (Remarkable Garden) since 2005 and also holds the label Meilleur Accueil (Best Welcome).
Meticulously restored, the garden is progressively regaining its original layout, thanks to a project led by the owners in partnership with the DRAC (Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs): tree planting, restoration of perspectives, archaeological excavations to confirm the initial layout, and restoration of pools and statues.
Inside: A Journey Through Time
The château can be visited fully furnished, in a setting faithful to the 18th century. The château features majestic staircases with trompe-l’œil frescoes and a nearly 40-meter gallery. Rooms include a music salon with harp and a listed pianoforte, a Directoire-style billiard room, and the marquis’s and marquise’s bedrooms—the marquise is said to have been a friend of Marie-Antoinette and even offered to take her place in prison. You’ll also discover a chapel, a dining room decorated with faience and featuring a fireplace created by Viollet-le-Duc, and finally a grand salon adorned with a Murano chandelier and porcelain gifted by Napoleon.
rates & opening hours
Visit the castle website :
Rates & opening hours
Château de Sauvan
Route d’Apt
04300 Mane
Tel. : 04 92 75 05 64
Mail : chateaudesauvan@gmail.com
Haute-Provence’s Heritage
Uncover the soul of Authentic Haute-Provence through journeys that reveal its landscapes and the stories of those who have shaped this remarkable territory.
Here, time seems to pause, inviting you to wander, savor, and explore the hidden layers of a land steeped in history and tradition.
Family Adventures
in Haute-Provence
Get ready for a vacation filled with discovery and excitement for all ages!
Our vast territory offers endless possibilities. Whether your children love exploring historical sites, seeking thrilling experiences, or simply having fun, Authentic Haute-Provence promises unforgettable moments for every family.