Now classified as a 4-star hotel, the Château de Mazan was acquired in 2019 by the French independent hotel group Elegant Properties Collection. Under the leadership of Franck Jaulneau, Director and Partner of the group, and architect Claire Annicchiarico, renovations were undertaken to restore the Château to its full beauty, authenticity, and elegance, with a touch of modernity. The guiding principles of the renovation were: "18th-century château," "Provence," and "2020."
A symbolic place.
The former home of the Sade family
Originally from Avignon, this family has been linked to Mazan since the 14th century. They settled in a large house built in the 15th century near the parish church of Mazan, the remains of which still exist today, including the Tour de Sade.
In August 1634, Jean Baptiste de Sade bought the house of Esprit de Boutin, which was located at the current site of the Château. Although it was enlarged and modernized, this house was demolished in the early 18th century to make way for the current Château, designed by the Franque Brothers, architects.
The Château was built using Crillon limestone on three levels, not including the lower level that housed the service areas, including the kitchens. Although uncertain, it is said that from this lower level, a tunnel once connected the Château to the village church.
The Château was primarily occupied by the father of the Marquis de Sade, who died there in 1767. It was then that the Marquis took possession of the property and paid close attention to its upkeep. From that year, he initiated numerous modernization works to ensure he could reside there in comfort.
In 1772, he organized many festivals and theatrical performances between May and October. He had a theater built by carpenter Bernus in the garden, where, from May 3, 1772, a troupe of actors hired from Marseille performed around twenty plays from authors such as Destouches, Regnard, Voltaire, and Barthélemy... The first theater festival in France was thus born.
In 1774, the Marquis de Sade returned to Mazan after escaping from the fortress of Miolans, seeking refuge there.
The Château was looted and devastated during the Revolution and was declared "uninhabitable" in 1792. It remained in the Sade family's possession until 1854.
Since 2019 The major renovation
Reopening in 2020 Let’s continue writing history.
From now on, it’s up to you to write the history of Château de Mazan. Now a charming hotel at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the Château de Mazan continues to span ages and eras. Its story is written through the visits of our guests. Your excursions, your experiences, your stays, and your journeys will continue to bring this Château to life, on which time has no hold.