Bridge in Provence

We had a wonderful week at Chateau de Mazan in May 2017 and were sure to return. A beautiful hotel with light-filled rooms, a delicious Provençal cuisine and a team of really friendly and helpful staff. Early October should be a good time to visit; away from the crowds but with warm daytime temperatures and stunning autumn colours. 

Click HERE to read about our previous stay at Chateau de Mazan.

Château de Mazan  

The honey-toned Château de Mazan is situated in centre of the charming town of Mazan in the heart of Provence. The château was built around 1720, and was the birthplace of both the father and the uncle of the legendary Marquis de Sade. Although he spent most of his life in Paris, the latter stayed frequently at the Château de Mazan, where he organised memorable events, including France’s first ever theatrical festival, in 1772.

Within the château, ancient integrity is intact in halls, salons and stairways, enlivened by a brilliantly eclectic decorative approach. Classical portraits hang near Indian textiles and drapes, African art crops up in the least expected places and, in the corridor, there’s a life-sized mannequin of crooner Charles Trenet. Flowers are ubiquitous and outside a fine terrace overlooks gardens of mature trees and a nicely hidden pool. Now the hotel is owned and managed warmly by affable Frédéric Lhermie and his mother who rescued the place from virtual ruin in 2002.

The beautifully designed bedrooms are mostly in the chateau itself, but there are an additional six bedrooms in a 17th century Provencal house across the road. All rooms are different - light, spacious, uncluttered yet comfortable, with modern bathrooms, some with roll top tubs. The rooms are enlivened by both light colours and interesting decorative flourishes, including period furniture and 1920s statuettes. 

To see more photographs and for more information about Château de Mazan, please click here to visit their website. 

Things to do locally

We will be organising two optional day trips during the stay including a visit on market day to the pretty town of Vaison-la-Romaine, famous for its rich Roman ruins, medieval town and cathedral. It has one of the best markets in Provence, packed with stalls selling everything from fresh regional produce to clothing, pottery and antiques. On our second trip we will head to a nearby vineyard, Chateau Unang, a unique domaine producing fine ventoux wines surrounded by oak forests, for a wine-tasting followed by a lovely vineyard walk and a gourmet picnic in the grounds. On the way back we will visit the picturesque village of Venasque, one of France’s most beautiful villages, with stunning views.