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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Javon Castle is a Renaissance building located on the heights of Lioux, north of the village in the direction of Sault. Its construction probably dates back to 1475, when Léon X infeoda Javon to François Baroncelli as a reward for his services. This fief, integrated into Comtat Venaissin, was then transferred in 1551 to the Baroncelli-Javon family, native to Tuscany and having served the republics of Florence and Pisa.

In 1570, during the Wars of Religion, the castle was first surprised by an enemy cavalry on 19 April, then burned on 1 May by the inhabitants of Mérindol. These events illustrate the religious tensions that were then in the region. The monument, characteristic of Provencal architecture with its arched door in basket handle, was partially classified in 1978 for its Renaissance elements.

In the 19th century, the castle changed hands in 1841, bought by Mr. Vayson, father of the painter Paul Vayson. At that time, the property extended to Murs Castle, allowing its owner to move between the two estates without leaving his land. The northern facade, with its typical entrance door, and a Renaissance window on the courtyard, were listed as historical monuments on August 4, 1978.

The castle of Javon thus reflects centuries of history, from religious rivalries of the Renaissance to architectural and social transformations of the 19th century. Its partial ranking in 1978 underlines its heritage importance in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

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