Construction of the castle 1ère moitié du XVIIIe siècle (≈ 1850)
Period of initial construction of the monument.
14 décembre 1979
Protection for historical monuments
Protection for historical monuments 14 décembre 1979 (≈ 1979)
Classification of the vestibule and inscription of facades.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The facades and roofs of the castle and chapel; the enclosure wall with its towers (cad. OB 55, 56): registration by order of 14 December 1979; The vestibule with its trompe l'oeil decoration (Box OB 55): by order of 14 December 1979
Key figures
Famille GAS - Owner of the castle
Family associated with the current property.
Famille de Garidel - Owner of the castle
Family co-owner of monument.
Origin and history
The Château de Montjustin, also known as Château de la Gourdonne, is an emblematic monument located in Aix-en-Provence, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. Built in the first half of the 18th century, it stands on the plateau of Puyricard, a place full of history in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This castle illustrates the architecture and lifestyle of the Provencal elites of this period, with its characteristic facades and roofs, as well as its integrated chapel.
The castle has been partially protected as historical monuments since 1979. The facades, the roofs, the wall with its towers and the vestibule decorated with trompe-l'oeil decorations are the subject of an official inscription or classification. These protections highlight the heritage importance of the site, both for its architecture and for its interior decorative elements.
The Château de Montjustin is associated with two notable families: the GAS and the Garidel, who own it. These families have marked local history, although the available sources do not specify their exact role in the construction or transformation of the castle. The building, with its fortified enclosure and towers, evokes a dual vocation, both residential and defensive, typical of the aristocratic houses of the region.
The location of the castle is specified in the heritage bases: it is located in the hamlet of Puyricard, on the road to Eguilles, with an approximate address at 625 Chemin du Grand Saint-Jean. This geographical location, close to Aix-en-Provence, makes it a witness of urbanization and land use in this part of Provence during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Practical information about opening to the public, visiting or any services such as renting rooms or guest rooms is not mentioned in the available sources. The castle remains above all a private historical monument, whose access and contemporary uses are not documented in the reference texts.
Finally, the Château de Montjustin embodies a major architectural and historical heritage for Aix-en-Provence and its region. Its inscription in historical monuments in 1979 attests to its cultural value and the need to preserve this 18th century testimony for future generations.
