Château de Lavardens

When visiting Lavardens, I had to stop in the castle! A castle tells a lot about its village, it has its history, its past and its mysteries! Let’s go too see that! The entrance fee is at €5 for adults, €3 for 15-18 years old and free under 15 years old. There is a discount for job seekers and students (ticket at €3). Credit cards are accepted from €10. Animals are not allowed. Prices vary depending on the exhibition presented in the compound of the castle, from mid-October to mid-January. The actual exhibition is the “santons de Provence” (Provencal figurines) these small characters presented during the Christmas celebrations in a series of tableaux.

The visits can be either free or guided (with a minimum of 10 people) on request. I settle in the video room, under a beautiful 17th century vaulted ceiling held by sand, lime and stone! Incredible, isn’t it?! This room gives excellent acoustics for the video! In 10 minutes, I discover the history of the castle, its development and its restoration. There is a 3D visit of the site and also a whole stage production with actors. I am a visitor but I am also a guest of the owners of the castle who explain their desire to transform this fortress in a beautiful leisure castle! Several models help me also trace back the history of the building! They are really well made!

I carry on the visit with the discovery of the echo room. Its acoustics are very special. If two people position themselves in opposite corners and one whispers a secret, the other person in the room will  ear it. I cannot resist trying it! There are no secrets in this room!

Each room is fitted with an explanation board divided in two parts: Historical and Architectural! This helps you to understand the stages of development of the building and the historical context in which it has been built! The floors are superb, rough with beautiful terracotta floor tiles and decorations. Each room is vaulted and luminous, I have the impression to be in an enormous castle!

More I climb the various floors levels; more I discover a new history of the castle. I can see its evolution through its stones, its walls and its floors. Everything is visible in Lavardens! Upstairs, I discover the 17th century pavement, unique in the world!! Indeed, each room has a different geometrical pattern; there is a mix of stones and bricks, with a lot of character!

It is in these rooms that I discover the exhibition dedicated to the santons. There are more than 15,000 figures!! I have never seen so many! They are all staged, alone or with a beautiful natural environment. Sand, vegetation, stone … a real fairy decor! I have the impression to be in the heart of the Provence with typical villages and its inhabitants! Only the fragrance of lavender is missing…I spend a good while

to admire them, they come in all sorts of shape and sizes!

It is a real world, created by passionate! I have been seduced by this miniature world and this exhibition has made me want to look closer at the topic! There are even kits for children to build a village!

The castle also has a beautiful terrace with an exceptional panorama on the village and the surrounding countryside. I climb the 36 steps and the show starts! This terrace is opened in spring and summer! It would be a shame to miss it! The visit ends by the shop which offers the famous Provencal figurines “santons’ (you have a large choice ;)), tableware, local products, recipe books…in brief, a

fulsome and attractive shop!

The Lavardens Castle has been a great discovery for me. It is a beautiful residence, which has been restored thanks to the passion of a local association. Allow a good hour to explore the rooms and a little bit more if you are planning to knock at the door of our friends, the Provencal figurines.

Enjoy the discovery of the castle!

Back to "Family Time"