Château du Barroux

Le Barroux, France

Since its creation, the Château du Barroux has been a seigneurial seat, passing through noble families until the 18th century. Originally part of the Principality of Orange and then the Toulouse domain, it became a fief in 1274 under the Comtat.

The castle, initially a fortified keep, was transformed in 1536 by the Rovigliasc family into a Renaissance residence with decorative windows. During the Wars of Religion, it was captured and retaken in 1563 but sustained little damage. Expanded in the 1680s with Vauban-inspired fortifications, it included artillery and defensive features, maintaining its military readiness.

In 1791, it was damaged by revolutionary forces and fell to ruin, serving as a quarry until 1929 when André Vayson de Pradenne began restoration. WWII saw it occupied by German forces, and it was burned down in 1944. Restoration efforts resumed in the 1960s, and the site, now open to the public, is preserved by the Vayson de Pradenne family and the 'Friends of Château du Barroux' association. Recognized as a historical monument in 1963, the castle hosts cultural events today.

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1536
Category: Castles and fortifications in France

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Nick Moyler (5 months ago)
Amazing castle. So much restoration. Interesting exhibits.
Annekathrin Wulfers (2 years ago)
This little castle was a real sight on a hot day. Visitors were few. So we had all the time in the world to walk the old stairs and chambers. The view from the top down on the vineyards is just gorgeous.
Stephen Block (3 years ago)
This is a very fine structure, set in a commanding position with views to Mt Ventoux and over the vineyards and olive groves of this beautiful part of the Vaucluse.
Na Spa (3 years ago)
We arrived at the Chateaux after a long day of touring. The drive along the vineyard roads was very beautiful. It was 5:00pm and closing time was 5:30 so we opted not to pay the 8.50 eu entry. Instead we walked around the chateau and enjoyed the beautiful views. Mt. Ventoux can be seen along with the rolling hills countryside. Breathtaking. We shall return another time.
Gibby Kirwan (4 years ago)
Great place to visit. Super friendly from the start. This is a castle & a home in restoration so don't expect suits of armour etc. But you will see some breathtaking scenery of Provence below you. There's a great treasure hunt for kids, possible whiskey tasting for adults & yummy food in the café. The visit to the chapel alone is worth going. Also In need of restoration the frescoes are stunning. Look forward to seeing the progress in a few years time.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.