In a world of standard design models and service packages, sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish one luxury brand from another. How refreshing, then, to discover the historic Château de Mazan in the heart of Provence! Famous for being the ancestral home of the notorious Marquis de Sade, and site of the first ever theatre festival in France, it is now a renowned gourmet destination where the welcome you receive is like a return to the family home. There is only one Château de Mazan.
The Château was built around 1720, during France’s early Regency Period. The imposing building with its perfect proportions is set in grounds that are landscaped for relaxation, with a shady seat here, a pergola there, flower-filled terraces inviting you to linger, and the scent of fresh herbs everywhere. The pool is surrounded by oleander, olive trees and slim cypresses. Inside the château, the halls and dining spaces are expansive and gracious. In the rooms, contemporary hotel luxuries blend seamlessly with antique furnishings and fresh country décor to create an atmosphere which is both authentic and luxurious.
You will certainly want to explore the beauties of the region, but remember - you are already in one of the most sought-after destinations for gourmet food in Provence. People locally and further afield beat a path to the door of l’Ingénue Restaurant for the distinctively different creations of its chef, served by unfailingly friendly and highly knowledgeable staff. The magnificent dining room with its century-old mouldings was almost certainly the setting of the plays staged by the famous Marquis in 1772. But the setting does not upstage the food, which is quite simply Provençal creativity at its best.
Enjoy the highlights of the region; take your time to explore Avignon and the Pope’s Palace, the Luberon and its cliff-perching villages, and the famous Côtes du Rhône Wine Route. But you’ll still be happy to be welcomed home to the unique delights of the Château de Mazan.