The medieval fortress originally belonged to the Counts of Forcalquier and then the Counts of Provence before being enlarged to become a family summer residence in the 17th century. Both incarnations are very much in evidence.

Visits are guided by the very knowledgeable owner who has furnished the chateaux with her impressive collection of period pieces and restored the beautiful interiors. Check

The town itself is lovely with a charming gastronomic restaurant, La Closerie and a 16th century boutique hotel Un patio en Luberon .

Originally a medieval fortress, Chateau de la Barben was sold to the Fortin family by roi René in 1474. Transformed in the 17th century, to add a magnificent stone stairway and facade, in addition to the gardens which are a remarkable example of the classic style of the period. Guided visits are available with knowledgeable guides on most afternoons and it is possible to stay overnight in one of the 6 rooms or suites.

Originally a fortress owned by the Baux family in the 12th and 13th century, the Agoult family began the construction of the Chateau de Lourmarin in a medieval style at the end of the 15th century. A splendid Renaissance facade was added by the nephew of Agoult family in the 16th century. Abandoned in the 17th century, the chateau was restored in the 1920’s and now houses the rich collections of the French industrialist, Robert Laurent Vibert.

The chateau welcomes artists in the summer and hosts many classical concerts and exhibition throughout the year. It can also be booked for conferences and events. +33 (0) 490681523

The town of Lourmarin, one of the prettiest in the Luberon is well worth a visits with many boutiques and charming restaurants and cafes.

The Chateau de Sauvan was known as Le petit Trianon de Provence and was owned by a friend of Marie-Antoinette. Superbly restored and refurnished recently by its new owners, the chateau has rebound its beautiful interiors and gardens which have been classified les jardins remarquable.

A little further afield in the Var, near Aix-en-Provence, sits Le Chateau de la Verdiere. the furthest point from La Raffine of the route des chateaux itinerary.

A property of the Castellane family and one of the most important fortresses of Medieval Provence from 1087, in the 17th century the chateau becomes the property of the Forbin family as part of a marriage dowry. The Fortins decide to transform the residence into the largest chateau in Provence. With prestigious decors, beautiful terrassess and richly furnished room, the chateau is an example of refined living in the 17th/18th century.

Since that illustrious period the chateau was pillaged by villagers at the beginning of the French Revolution, and became more dilapidated over the centuries with its furnishings sold off to the antique dealers of Aix-en-Provence. Finally complete renovation was undertaken in 2003 to restore the magnificent decors.

Private residents inhabit the chateau but open their doors to , guided visits in the late summer months.

While not officially on the Route des Chateaux, it would be a shame not to visit le Château de Lacoste. An unmissable jewel, best known for its most notorious resident, the Divin Marquis de Sade and a short walk away from La Raffine. It was owned by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin until his recent death and it is home to the festival de Lacoste which he created. The festival is on in July most years with concerts and plays in the quarry and the castle theatre. The chateau can be visited from June to September although it is designed for events with few rooms to visits. Throughout the rest of year a visit to the castle esplanade offers panoramic views of the castle the Luberon and the medieval village.