Château d'Ansouis

The Château d'Ansouis sits on a rocky outcrop and combines medieval fortifications with Renaissance residential sections surrounded by French-style terraced gardens. The structure clearly shows how the building evolved from a pure fortress into an elegant residential palace over the centuries.

The fortress was built in the 10th century as a military stronghold and passed between the Forcalquier and Sabran families through centuries of shifting regional power. These ownership changes shaped both its appearance and function over time.

The rooms inside display period furniture and objects that reflect how the aristocracy lived during the Age of Enlightenment in Provence. These pieces offer a direct view of the everyday world of this social class.

Tours take place on weekends from April to October, with two sessions daily during summer months. Advance reservations are needed and payment is only accepted in cash or by check.

The site preserves its original 10th-century keep surrounded by isolated structures that physically show the shift from a military fortress to a residential palace. This contrast between raw medieval simplicity and later refinement is felt directly in the spatial layout.

Location: Ansouis

Inception: 17 century

Address: place du Château

GPS coordinates: 43.73890,5.46389

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:01