Initially fortress, residence for the XII 2nd century of the Duke of Sabran de Pontevès, the Castle of Ansouis has become with the wire of the century one of the most splendid inhabited residences of Provence: a splendid collection of piece of furniture of XVIIe and XVIIIe century, beautiful tapestries, vast gardens and terraces surrounding the castle of a bosky bower give to the whole of the site much of charm. With the origin, medieval fortress whose foundations go up in Xème century, built in the valley of Acute, on a rock piton, with the foot of the mounts of Luberon, it was by its geographical position, quasi impregnable, intended, as well as other fortified towns now disappeared, with the defense of the entry of High-Provence by the combe of Lourmarin. Primitive plan, perfectly visible still, remains the keep power station, the two bases of two of the four turns which flanked it, as well as a well of 28 m or left seven undergrounds radiating in the village and the surrounding countryside to ensure in the event of seat, the access and the evacuation of the fortress. Belonging to the powerful House of Forcalquier, Ansouis entered in 1178 the inheritance of the House of Sabran, to leave there more, by the marriage of Raymond First of Sabran with Gersande, last countess of Forcalquier. From this Union, was born a girl, the countess of Provence, grandmother of Marguerite of Provence, queen of France and three other girls, all three queens, one of England, the other of the Romans and the last of Naples. In addition to European queens, the family counts also saints among her members. Indeed, while assuming their loads of Lords of Ansouis, Elzéar de Sabran and its wife Delphine de Puymichel lived an exemplary life in chastity and the piety, whose Church recognized holiness of it. Ansouisiens come to return thanks to Saint-Elzéar last Sunday of September in the park of the Castle. It is at the XVI 2nd century, during the wars of religion, that the castle is damaged and rebuilt at the end of the century in luxurious residence in the Renaissance style. To the XVII 2nd century end the elegant added southern frontage, imitating the style of the Private mansions Inhabitant of Aix, will come to soften the rigour of architecture. The Garden of the Castle of Ansouis was arranged during the XVII and XVIII 2nd centuries. It is the?uvre of of Provence, Fabri de Pereisc, magus and astrologer of Marie de Médicis who will study the art of the gardens of Florence. Thereafter at the XVIII 2nd century one will arrange the hill which surrounds the castle in garden walk. At the same time, the apartments of the castle are furnished, refitted and redécorés in the style Louis XV with many decorations in gypsery. Given up at the XIX 2nd century by its owners, it is only into 1936 that Foulques duke of Sabran Pontevès and his wife Roselyne de Vallombrosa settle in Ansouis. They will return its splendour to the castle, the empty apartments will be refurnished and redécorés. Today their children continue the?uvre undertaken. At the beginning of August, the castle accomodates a festival of Music: "Music with the Castle of Ansouis" |
Reduction of 10 % from April 17th, 2010 till May 22nd, 2010, that is 432 euro / week on the 480-euro.