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Bastides and Gardens
Aix en Provence, the Town in the countryside |
A few kilometres from the town centre, the Provencal bastides of the 17th and 18th centuries surround themselves with gardens in the classical style, perfectly illustrating the art of living of the great Aixoise families.
A bastide is a large house, both a holiday place and a farm. Aixois nobles and members of parliament used to come and stay here in the heat of the summer season. Belonging to a private estate, visits are limited to the gardens or are enjoyed in the company of speakerguides.
| The Château de la Gaude |
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 At the heart of the wine growing region, the Chateau de la Gaude, renovated in the 18th century is enriched by its series of shapes, terraces and flower beds.The main facades face south opposing the perspective of the gardens.A raised, gravel covered terrace bordered with pine and livened up with fountains and ponds secures the transition from the "bastide" (a fortified country house) to its gardens.
It is only possible to visit the garden with a guide from the Tourist Office.
Route des Pinchinats, Aix en Provence (Private castle)
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| The Château de la Mignarde |
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 Famous for having sheltered Pauline Borghese in 1807, this bastide is one of the most representative of the Aixoise spirit of the 18th century. The first house, property of a confectioner, was sumptuously remodelled and decorated in the Louis XVI style by his son,Sauveur Mignard by 1770.The facade, embellished with elements in dressed stone dominates a garden ornamented by ponds and statues.
Visits possible only with a guide from the Tourist Office.
Route des Pinchinats, Aix en Provence (Private castle) |
| The Pavillon de Lenfant |
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 The pavilion was erected in 1678. It retains the patronymic of its first owner Simon Lenfant , Treasurer General of France.The temperance of the facade contrasts with the richness of the interior decor of "gypseries" and double turned stairwells, painted ceilings, the work of Van Loo... wrought iron works). The park, designed in the 18th century proffers the freshness of its ponds and marble fountains. Today, the pavilion hosts part of the University of Law, Economics and Sciences.
Guided visits of this park in French are organised by the Tourist Office.
Route des Alpes (RN96), Aix en Provence |
| The Albertas gardens |
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 Since 1751, Jean Baptiste d’Albertas, first president at the National Audit Office, decided to make a detailed plan of gardens on the Bouc lands, close to a hunting lodge.The statues, staircases, ponds and fountains fed by active springs serve as a setting for the château. The murder of Jean Baptiste on 14 July 1790 put an end to his construction project. Having remained in the Albertas family, the gardens were restored after 1949. Today they are classified as historic monuments.
Open from May to October - For hours and dates, call : 04 42 22 94 71
9 km from Aix.
RN8 Bouc Bel Air
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| Tél. 33 (0)4 42 161 161