Route 1: Les Pinchinats between Aix and Puyricard |
 La
Bastide de Violaine
The layout appears to be directly inspired by that of the garden
of Le Nôtre for Versailles - all the proportions are retained
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Beautiful statues are scattered along the paths leading to a perfect
little boxwood maze. Enigmatic like many gardens in Provence due
to the originality of its composition, the richness and variety
of the spaces set out over a small surface area, Violaine demonstrates
the close relationship between the nobility of Aix and the greatest
contemporary artists.
 Le
Pavillon de Lenfant
Le pavillon de Lenfant (Simon Lenfant, Paymaster of France) built
in 1678, is set in sumptuous gardens. The sobriety of the façade
contrasts with the rich interior decor. The park was designed in
the 18th century: French style boxwood garden, marble pools and
fountains.
 La
Bastide Romegas
"Roumegas" planted with brambles, dating from 1640-1650
and transformed in the 18th century. Two treasures to discover during
your visit: the boxwood bed and its 'tèse'. Magnificent view
of Mont St Victoire.
 Le
Château de la Mignarde
Famous for having housed Pauline Borghèse in 1807, is it
one of the bastides that is most representative of the Aix spirit
of the 18th century.
The façade covered in stone dominates an 18th century garden
designed by Nicolas Ledoux, decorated with pools and statues.
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Route 2: Pertuis, Puy Ste Réparade, Rognes |
 Le
Château de Val Joanis
Situated in the Luberon, for several years Château de Val
Joanis bore the coat of arms of Jean de Joanis, Secretary of King
Louis III of Naples. Rediscovered in 1977 by Jean-Louis Chancel,
the castle has 186 hectares of vineyards. The jewel of the property,
aside from its wines, is the garden created in 1978 by Mme Chancel.
There is wine tasting at the end of the tour.
 Le
Château de Fonscolombe
Hidden in the vegetation amongst the prairies and vineyards, Château
de Fonscolombe, built in 1720 for an eminent family of Aix parliamentarians,
the Boyers of Fonscolombe, first reveals its rear façade
before showing its southern façade, which opens onto the
park, stretching out as far as the eye can see and giving the
home its charm.
 Le
Château d’Arnajon
Château d'Arnajon, was owned in the 17th century by an Agoult,
then in turn by the Lord of Beaulieu, Jacques Leblanc, Paymaster
of France in Provence, and is currently owned by the descendants
of the Deleuil-Martiny.
A long driveway of plane trees leads to the Italian style terraced
gardens and to a cool grotto that' leaving you with a sweet fragrance
of nostalgia…
 Le
Château de Beaulieu
'Ex Imo Vulcani': the motto of Beaulieu, built as a stronghold
around the 12th century, is a reminder of the volcanic origin
of this area, situated on the immense crater of the only volcano
in Provence. This volcanic soil nourishes the vineyards of Beaulieu,
which produce a quality wine that you can taste at the end of
your tour….after you have seen the enchanting garden.
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