Lourmarin Castle

Many have dreamed of living in a castle. But when you actually visit one that isn’t located in a theme park, its drafty, dank, and dark reality may make such wishes a little less appealing. Stepping into Chateau de Lourmarin, though, keeps that dream alive.

It’s easy to picture yourself living in Lourmarin Castle because it is pretty much fully furnished. Regal bedrooms with period decor, kitchen with authentic artifacts, and airy loggias (it is the first Renaissance castle in Provence) make it feel like home. While it has grand spaces such as the dining hall and music room, the castle itself isn’t a sprawling behemoth, so it feels easily liveable.

Along with a wonderful terrace with sweeping village views and a beautifully landscaped fish pond, the castle has a very sexy spiral stone staircase. It’s an easy climb even for the kidlets as it gently circles up with low risers to all the levels of the castle. It’s a very manageable tour that you set your pace to and can easily be done in about 40 minutes. Kids will enjoy the scavenger hunt designed to accompany the tour card to help keep everyone engaged. And those under 6 are admitted free!

If you’re lucky enough, the castle may be hosting a performance from a variety of local and international musicians. Held in what used to be the dining hall, the castle is a very elegant and intimate concert venue.

You’ll certainly applaud after your visit to this charming castle. It seems quite fitting that the chic village of Lourmarin is home to this fashionably restored Renaissance Chateau.