GRIGNAN CASTLE
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This castle, overlooking the beautiful steep village of Grignan, is known for hosting the Night Festivals.
Overlooking the beautiful, craggy village of Grignan, the château is famous for hosting the Fêtes nocturnes, an annual summer theatrical creation (in 2023, Molière's L'Avare, directed by Jérôme Deschamp) performed in front of the château façade. The austere medieval fortress became a château d'agrément in the late 15th century under Gaucher Adhémar, who doubled the main building and built the grand gallery and main entrance onto the well courtyard. His son Louis Adhémar, Governor of Provence, built the collegiate church of Saint-Sauveur, topped by large terraces and a Renaissance facade. In the 17th century, Count François de Grignan, son-in-law of the Marquise de Sévigné, transformed it into a prestigious palace, creating the grand vestibule, the entrance to the courtyard of honor, and the wing of the Prelates. Partly destroyed during the French Revolution, the château was abandoned until bought by Marie Fontaine in 1912, who set about saving it from ruin. A fine example of Renaissance architecture and French classicism, the château was acquired by the Département in 1979. It then became a historic monument and a French museum open to the public. Visitors can explore the apartments, reception rooms, decor and works of art, testifying to the art of living of the illustrious people who lived here. A heritage project is currently underway to restore the façades of the Cour du Puits and create a calade. And if you want to visit all three castles (Grignan, Suze-la-Rousse and Adhémar), combined tickets are available at reduced prices.
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Members' reviews on GRIGNAN CASTLE
Il se voit de loin, perché sur son rocher au milieu des lavandes, comme une île. Tout y est "dans son jus", authentique, à l'image des villages plus connus de Provence (Manosque, St Paul de Vence, Grimaud, etc).
Grignan est un dédale de ruelles et de passages, qui serpentent au pied du château (encore très bien conservé). L'atmosphère respire un je-ne-sais-quoi de désuet (en plus des lavandes bien sûr), on s'y croirait plongé au XIX° siècle, dans un roman de Daudet ou de Giono... Très pittoresque.
La région compte en plus beaucoup de sites originaux méconnus pour la plupart : villages perchés, truffes, etc