RENAISSANCE OF THE CHATEAU DE MAZAN,
FORMER RESIDENCE OF THE SADE FAMILY
Incorporated into Elegant Properties Collection, an independent French hotel group, in August 2019 and restored over the winter of 2019-2020, Château de Mazan has been renovated throughout to give its customers a unique experience.
WHEN HISTORY COMES TO PROVENCE
Built in 1715 by the Franque brothers, Château de Mazan was the birthplace of the Marquis de Sade’s father and uncle, the famous Abbé de Sade. The Marquis, who spent the most of his life in Paris, stayed at the Château on many occasions. In 1772 he organised what would become the very first French Theatre Festival in the gardens, which he described as exceptional.
During the French Revolution the Maquis de Sade was declared to be “undesirable” at Mazan.
The Château remained in the hands of the Sade family until 1850. It then became the property of a private individual and then served as a religious school before becoming a retirement home between 1923 and 1999.
In 2011 the building was acquired by the Lhermie family who turned it into a hotel.
With its 4 stars, the Elegant Properties Collection hotel group decided to fully restore and refurbish the property.
Three themes informed this renaissance: “18th century château”, “Provence”, “2020”.
CHÂTEAU DE MAZAN
THE ATMOSPHERE
Under the leadership of Franck Jaulneau, Director and Partner of the Elegant Properties Collection group, and Claire Annicchiarico, Architect, a journey to restore the history of the château, characterised by elegance, refinement and modernity, was undertaken.
Symbolic of Provence, the gentle colours (chalk and greige) combined with gold leaf and mustard shades create a unique atmosphere where time stands still to generate a moment of genuine rest and serenity.
All of the furniture has been carefully selected and is inspired by both Louis XV (bergère armchairs) and Provençal styles in terms of the natural, soft materials and fabrics (tomette, linen, terracotta), as well as this century with the addition of more contemporary pieces or shapes.
VISITS
The tone is set from the main entrance, which has been restored to its original location. Majestic and imposing, the Vestibule opens out onto the Galerie des Curiosités, which is reminiscent of a theatrical back drop, and a nod to the history of the building.
The Galerie des Curiosités pays homage to the Château, its architects, Louis XV, the Divine Marquis and the history of Provence.
Simply passing through is not an option, such is the wealth and diversity of this fascinating space.
And then, by chance, the Causerie opens up before you, a corner lounge bathed in light, with the arms of the Sade family hanging imposingly over the marble fireplace. The perfect place to make the most of the venue and enjoy a cocktail whilst the mistral rages outside.
Hidden from view, under the main vault of the Château and sheltered from the blistering summer heat, the Library features several treasures amongst its 450 works, the most recent of which dates from the end of the 1980s.
THE CAUSERIE
A tunnel, which is inaccessible today following its collapse, once left from the current Library and connected the Château to the Church during the Marquis’s era.
THE GREAT STAIRWAY
The majestic style of the Great Stairway is like taking a stroll through a huge black and white drawing evoking delightful Provençal landscapes. The spirit of the Château can be summed up in its sumptuous, yet simple rooms.
THE BEDROOMS
31 bedrooms, all different, are located both in the Château and in the outbuilding located on the other side of the little Placette Napoléon.
All of the bedrooms offer individual characteristics, whether it be high ceilings, vast spaces, a clear view over the garden and vineyards, or across the rooftops of the village of Mazan. Particular attention was paid to the ambiance in each of the rooms to ensure softness, serenity and absolute comfort without forgetting a touch of Provençal style with the traditional cicadas.
The venue offers classic rooms, deluxe rooms (some of which are connecting), garden rooms with direct access to the grounds, junior suites some of which provide family accommodation as well as 3 suites and the Signature Suite which has an extensive terrace overlooking the garden.
DINING
Château de Mazan takes great pride in only serving local products, and has restricted itself to a radius of 100 kilometres around the property to source all it needs. This enables us to showcase the savoir-faire of many local producers and the authentic flavours of their products.
Two dining experiences are on offer to visitors:
LE COUR DU CHÂTEAU, where traditional bistro dining is revisited in the courtyard of the château.
Open daily, for lunch and dinner, except Sunday evening and Monday, a €38 menu (starter – main – dessert) is available.
LA SALLE À MANGER, the Château’s formal dining room, is where French gastronomy is showcased.
Enter into the creative, mouth-watering world of our Chef, Christophe Schuffenecker, and let yourself succumb to the temptations of one of his 2 suggestions: Le Retour Imprévu menu, in 3 courses, and the Le Glorieux menu with 5 courses.
Awarded a star in the 2014 Michelin Guide at the Alpaga Megève and having retained the one he was awarded at the I Salti – Ile Rousse restaurant (Corsica) in 2017, Christophe Schuffenecker took over the running of the kitchens and gastronomy at
the Château de Mazan at the beginning of 2020.
He takes great joy in exploring all that the region has to offer in order to surprise and delight the taste buds of his diners.
THE GARDENS
Designed as an integral part of the Château, the gardens have been restored to their former grandeur and elegance. A staircase has been built in keeping with 18th century tradition to make accessing the gardens easier. With this in mind, a stone fire pot has been placed in the middle of a strolling garden where several stone benches invite the visitor to sit and contemplate the magnificent façade of the Château.
On the other side of the great avenue, the herb gardens which are used in the Chef’s kitchens serve as a reminder of the wealth and diversity of the Provençal landscape.
And finally an outdoor pool featuring a tanning area and a pétanque pitch that is hidden from view by the plants and vegetation which complete the pool area.
Château de Mazan
Rue Bernus – 8 place Napoléon
84380 Mazan
chateaudemazan.com
ELEGANT PROPERTIES COLLECTION
An independent French group formed in 2018, Elegant Properties Collection is overseen by Franck Jaulneau, who has worked in the hotel industry for 25 years. With extensive experience in exclusive venues in London, Paris and Megève, in 2018 he and his partners decided to create a collection of unique hotels in little-known locations and offer an exceptional experience based on simplicity, elegance and conviviality.
HÔTEL PARADOU MÉDITERRANÉE
A 3-star establishment in Sausset les Pins overlooking the Mediterranean.
Fully renovated in 2019, the Paradou Méditerranée hotel offers 42 sea-facing rooms, a
restaurant with a panoramic terrace, 500m2 of receptions rooms with view, an outdoor pool and a pétanque pitch.
paradou.fr
CHÂTEAU DE MAZAN
A 4-star property in Mazan in the Vaucluse, just a step away from Mont Ventoux and its main tourist attractions.
Renovated in 2020, Château de Mazan offers 31 rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, including one gastronomy restaurant, several lounges, beautiful gardens, an outdoor pool and a pétanque pitch.