The history of the first renaissance castle in Provence

Part I: The Old Castle

Lourmarin: a gateway to the south of the massif...

The Luberon massif is split in two by a combe originating in Lourmarin. This passage separates the "Petit" from the "Grand" Luberon. It is the only way to climb the massif. Since ancient times, the Combe has been an essential communication route for trade and military movements. It was to watch over this strategic point that the very first castle in the village was built around the year 1000. It was a simple fortified watchtower that stood at the top of the village. This surveillance function was taken over around the 12th century by the first of the successive buildings that gave rise to the castle we know today.

Le saviez-vous ?

On surnomme Lourmarin « le village des trois clochers ». Il se détachent distinctement et dominent le village :
- Le clocher du Temple Protestant (1806),
- Le clocher de l’Église Catholique (XII° & XVI° siècles),
- Le beffroi construit sur la base de l’ancienne fortification médiévale en haut du village.

En 1348, une épidémie de peste dissémina une grande partie de la population de Lourmarin. Les quelques survivants décidèrent de quitter le village car l’insécurité régnait dans les campagnes.
Lourmarin et son château en devenir n’étaient alors qu’une illusion…

In 1475, the new lord Foulques d'Agoult repopulated the village. He called upon families of the Waldensian faith in search of a haven of peace. Contracts for housing and work were signed with 47 heads of family, a beautiful renaissance for the village. At the same time, the d'Agoult family undertook the reconstruction of the castle. From 1475 to 1525, what is known as the "Château-Vieux" was built. In 1526, further expansion work began. The construction work was finally interrupted by an event that marked the history of the region.

In 1540, the Waldensians were subjected to the "Mérindol ruling". The orders were without appeal: total destruction of the Waldensian villages and execution of the heads of the families. From 16 to 19 April 1545, the men of Jean Maynier d'Oppède, President of the Parliament of Provence, swept through the Luberon.
Nineteen communes were destroyed, including Lourmarin. The castle, which was attacked like the village, resisted the assaults. The numerous loopholes in the tower of the grand staircase were pierced at that time... A monument marked by the history of the region and which contains treasures long forgotten.

The Château-Vieux from the inside, immerse yourself in medieval Provence!

From the lower terrace of the castle we go to a small entrance on the right, welcome to the medieval courtyard. Here we can admire the old building as a whole. The facade exposes three levels of galleries that serve the rooms in this part of the building. On this level are the former service rooms, kitchen and bakery, now converted into exhibition rooms. The door to the left of the large hexagonal tower is the door of the former prison...

The hexagonal tower houses a defensive spiral staircase that leads to the different levels of the medieval castle. On the first floor, we are in the LOGGIA, which used to be the lord's flat. It is an open Italian-style room, decorated with basket-handle arches. Today, this Loggia gives access to the libraries which house part of Robert Laurent-Vibert's collections.

By going back up the stairs you reach the oratory. This is part of the old castral chapel. We see a stained glass window decorated with the arms of the d'Agoult family, which became those of Lourmarin. The portrait of François I recalls his visit to Lourmarin in 1537. It was he who brought the Renaissance style of architecture from Italy. A style that influenced the construction of the Château de Lourmarin...

The Château de Lourmarin through the centuries...

The history of the Château de Lourmarin is closely linked to that of the village, and it is still marked by the tears of the past. It has also passed through the hands of many owners. All of which means that its stone has been marked by multiple imprints...

Are you still here? The story isn't over yet! You know all about the Château-Vieux, stay tuned to discover the advent of the Château-Neuf! The Renaissance wing of the Château de Lourmarin also contains treasures of history and heritage...

Coming soon on our blog!

Lourmarin Castle
http://www.chateau-de-lourmarin.com