Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saumane Castle, located on a rocky spur at Saumane-de-Vaucluse, has had traces of occupation since the Iron Age (c. 450 BC), confirmed by archaeological excavations that revealed fragments of Gallo-Roman and medieval ceramics. Although the presence of an oppidum is not attested, the site houses a castle fortified in the Middle Ages, owned by Pons II d'Astouaud, Chancellor of the Count of Toulouse. The terroir then passed under pontifical control, before being subdued to the Sade family in 1451 by Nicolas V, then definitively ceded in 1526 by Clement VII.

At the end of the 16th century, the descendants of Baudet II de Sade partially transformed the medieval fortress into a Renaissance residence, with works spanning 30 years. A second campaign in the 17th century added baroque elements, completing the transformation into a marina. The castle remained linked to the Sade family until 1868, when the Marquis de Sade spent his childhood there (from 5 to 10 years) under the care of his uncle, Jacques de Sade, a man of letters and ecclesiastical.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1981, the castle was acquired by the General Council of Vaucluse, while its management was entrusted in 2004 to the community of local municipalities. The current building retains a two-storey Renaissance house body, a south terrace accessible from the village, and a staircase of honour surrounding a vaulted chapel. Medieval remains, such as the fortified ascent and moat, recall its defensive origin.

External links