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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Lauris, located in the village of the same name in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, is a building rebuilt in the 18th century on the remains of a medieval castle. It occupies a rocky spur overlooking the Durance Valley, with terraces supported by walls and served by a complex hydraulic network (galeries, reservoirs, fountains). The lower levels preserve medieval traces like vaulted cellars and doors.

The reconstruction of the castle began after 1733, but remained unfinished during the French Revolution. It was completed and reorganized in the 19th century, and later redesigned in the 20th century by architect Pierre Broise for Foreign Missions. The estate includes a conservation garden of tinctoriales plants, unique in Europe, labeled "Remarkable Garden" and offering panoramic views of the valley.

Since June 23, 2003, the castle, its terraces (Grand Jardin et Jardin Neuf), its retaining walls, its stairs, its hydraulic network and some outbuildings are listed as historical monuments. The official notice is referenced under PA84000036 in the Merimée database. Gardens and hydraulic devices bear witness to the ingenuity of 18th and 19th century landscape developments.

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