Located opposite Mont Ventoux, the Château du Barroux, built in the 12th century as a powerful keep supported by thick walls, protected the Comtat plain from Saracen and Italian invasions during that period.
Between the 13th and 15th centuries, it belonged successively to the Baux de Budos, Ricavi, Peyre, Cardaillac, Rovigliasc, Pelletier de Gogondas, and Noret families.
In 1538, it became the property of Henri De Rovigliasc, Count of Veynes, who had come to the papal court in Avignon. Following extensive renovations, it became the most beautiful residence of the Renaissance period.
It was compared to the palaces of the Valois kings. Over time, it was enriched with a chapel covered in frescoes and fortifications.
Plundered during the Revolution, its walls and stones were sold and used during the 19th century to build houses in the surrounding area. The castle suffered its final vicissitudes during the fire set by the Germans during the last war.
The fire raged for ten days, causing widespread damage.
Restored in 1960 by Dr. Mouliérac-Lamoureux, the castle gradually came back to life.
Since 1993, the Association des Amis du Château du Barroux (Friends of Barroux Castle Association) has continued this preservation work, with the support of the Vayson de Pradenne family, who still own the castle.
Everything has been restored, and the castle has been rebuilt stone by stone.
Today, it provides a splendid setting for various cultural and artistic events.
The Notre-Dame La Brune Chapel, a treasure to be preserved
The Notre-Dame la Brune Chapel was closed in the 1980s for safety reasons on the recommendation of the Architecte des Bâtiments de France.
The chapel's paintings were created between the 16th and 19th centuries and are classified as Historic Monuments. These ancient paintings cover the entire walls of the chapel and are rare examples of heritage to be shared and preserved.
The association “Les amis du château du Barroux” (Friends of Barroux Castle) aims to restore this chapel so that it can be opened to the public.
Cinema and distillation...
Several films have been shot on the site, including “L'épée d'Ardouaan” in 1977 and “Les contes du Chat perché” in 1980.
In addition, the hosts, Fanny and Jean-Baptiste, invite you to their tasting workshops and training courses in partnership with the University of Wine in Suze-la-Rousse. You will learn all about how their whiskies are made using a grain typical of the region: einkorn wheat.
Château du Barroux
84330 Le Barroux
https://www.chateaudubarroux.fr/
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