Chateau de Lauris

Historic castle, built for the Count of Provence, which included the lordship of Lauris in the 13th and 14th centuries. It likely passed into the hands of various lords at the end of the 11th century and the 12th century. In 1511 it was purchased by Julien de Pérussis. From the old medieval castle, destroyed in the 18th century, the vaulted cellars, gates, and remnants buried in the lower levels remain. Rebuilt after 1733. Unfinished during the Revolution, the building was completed and internally reorganized in the 19th century. The architect Pierre Broise redesigned it in 1964-1968 for the new owner, the Foreign Missions. The estate consists of three parts: the castle and its outbuildings in the center, the Great Garden of medieval origin in the northwest, and the Jardin Neuf in the east. Organized in different terraces, the Jardin Neuf retains the whole hydraulic system with mines, tanks, decorative or utilitarian basins, and the two monumental fountains.

Gardens to visit. Jardin Blanc every day from 10 am to 8 pm. Jardin Conservatoire des Plantes Tinctoriales from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 am-12 pm and 2 pm-7 pm. Guided tour on Thursday at 10 am by reservation. The castle itself is private.

Yvan Vandamme