Château de Saumane-de-Vaucluse, Medieval castle in Saumane-de-Vaucluse, France.
Château de Saumane-de-Vaucluse rises on a rocky ridge and combines earlier medieval elements with later modifications throughout its structure. The south side displays Renaissance facades, while the north side retains medieval features including exceptionally thick walls measuring about 2 meters.
The castle came into the de Sade family's possession in 1451 when Pope Nicholas V granted it as a reward to Baudet II de Sade. This marked the beginning of a long period when the structure played an important role in the region's history.
The name Saumane derives from an old Provençal term, and the castle served as a family seat for generations of the de Sade lineage. Visitors can walk through rooms that bear the marks of centuries of occupation and personal history within these walls.
The site sits on a rocky outcrop and requires some climbing to explore, so wear comfortable shoes for walking around the structure. Plan enough time to climb and walk around it fully to view all sides and understand its defensive layout.
The structure once served as a refuge for people from nearby Fontaine-de-Vaucluse who sought shelter during dangerous times. A portcullis and drawbridge allowed those inside to secure the entrances and defend the building.
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