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Overlooking a landscape of vineyards, olive groves and almond trees, Lourmarin Castle offers remarkable views of the Luberon mountains from its tower.
Standing opposite the village of Lourmarin, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and closely associated with Albert Camus, the castle is an essential stop for anyone interested in heritage, architecture and culture.
Standing opposite the village, Lourmarin Castle is recognised as the first Renaissance castle in Provence. With its Italian-style loggia, vaulted medieval rooms and furnished collections, a visit takes you through five centuries of history and artistic creation.
Built between the late 15th and the 16th centuries, the castle illustrates the transition from late Gothic architecture to the Italian Renaissance, combining architectural elegance with the understated character of southern France.
Originally built by Foulques d’Agoult and later transformed from 1526 onwards by Louis d’Agoult-Montauban and Blanche de Lévis-Ventadour, the monument consists of two distinct sections: the Old Castle, built around 1480, and the Renaissance wing, notable for its architectural unity and humanist influences.
Its Italian-style loggia, spiral staircases and furnished rooms dating from the 16th to the 19th century reflect this architectural development. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1973, the castle is one of the Luberon’s most important heritage sites.
Threatened with destruction after the French Revolution, the castle was saved in 1920 by Robert Laurent-Vibert. He began its restoration before bequeathing it to the Academy of Sciences, Agriculture, Arts and Fine Arts of Aix-en-Provence. The castle subsequently became an artists’ residence and remains a vibrant cultural venue today.
A visit to Lourmarin Castle feels like stepping into a lived-in residence. As you move from room to room, the route reveals a vibrant place where each space tells the story of a period, a purpose and a way of life.
Furniture, engravings, works of art, musical instruments and decorative pieces form collections dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Together, they give the castle a distinctive atmosphere, far removed from empty or static monuments.
The opening of new rooms in the medieval section, including two libraries and several vaulted spaces, further enriches the route and extends the visitor experience.
Recommended visit duration
Allow between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes to explore the rooms, collections and architecture of the castle at your own pace.
Explore the castle at your own pace with the visitor guides and interpretation provided throughout the different rooms.
A year-round treasure trail encourages children to observe the décor and discover the castle in a fun and engaging way.
Guided visits can be arranged by prior reservation, depending on the size of the group and the nature of the visit.
The year 2026 marks the centenary of the Lourmarin Laurent-Vibert Foundation. Since 1926, more than 600 artists, musicians, writers and researchers have stayed at the castle, helping to establish Lourmarin as a unique centre for creativity, sometimes compared to a “small Villa Medici”.
From 20 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, the castle hosts the exhibition A Century of Art at Lourmarin Castle, a retrospective bringing together works by 30 former artists in residence.
Paintings, sculptures, engravings, drawings and photographs illustrate a century of artistic inspiration and reflect the diversity of artistic movements from the 20th century to the present day.
Lourmarin Castle offers far more than a tour of its historic rooms. Exhibitions, talks, cultural events, concerts and festivals punctuate the seasons and continue the site’s long-standing artistic tradition.
Temporary exhibitions, talks, cultural events and activities for children are organised throughout the year, depending on the season and programme highlights.
A festival devoted to classical music, inspired by the musical and artistic history of the Lourmarin Foundation.
A distinctive music festival that brings the castle and the village of Lourmarin to life in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Concerts held in the remarkable setting of the castle, offering the chance to discover a wide range of artists and musical repertoires throughout the summer.
Tip: check the cultural programme before your visit so you can combine your tour of the monument with an exhibition, concert or festival.
In addition to this article
Photo gallery
Practical information on Lourmarin Castle
Opening times and periods
From 01/05 to 30/09/2026 daily between 10.30 am and 6.45 pm.
Ticket office closes 45 minutes before.
From 01/10 to 31/10/2026 daily between 10.30 am and 5.45 pm.
Ticket office closes 45 minutes before.
From 01/11 to 31/12/2026 daily between 10.30 am and 12.45 pm and between 2.30 pm and 5.15 pm.
Closed exceptionally on December 25th.
Closed on 25 December 2026 and 1 January 2027.
Ticket offices close 45 minutes before closing time.
Price(s)
Full price : 8 €
Reduced price : 6.50 € (Groups of 12 or more, students, unemployed people, Provence Escapade)
Child (6-12 years) : 3.50 €
Set price group adults : 6.50 €.
Free entry for children under 6.
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