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Enveloped in a green setting, the Château de La Gaude is a majestic XVIIᵉ century bastide, recently renovated. An architectural feat inspired by French gardens and signed Olivier Frémont who will have adorned the entire castle with these motifs.
A place of exception
Just a few minutes from downtown Aix-en-Provence is the Château de la Gaude. A unique place for its beauty and elegance. Nestled in a green setting, this 17th century bastide is a place of art, wine, gastronomy and life. After three years of work, it is a prestigious establishment for luxury wine tourism which opened its doors in 2019.
The challenge for Didier Blaise, the new owner, was to preserve the memory of the Château and to breathe a contemporary spirit into it. A challenge that was successfully met. Indeed, this charming, village-style estate has managed to maintain its historical conformity while adding a touch of aestheticism. The result is an ultramodern luxury hotel with historic charm.
The estate is spread over 25 hectares of land, 17 of which are vineyards. It should be noted that all the plots of land occupied by the château are under organic cultivation. They thus respect nature and preserve the quality of a confidential production.
A chic and contemporary decoration
From interior decoration to outdoor spaces, everything has been studied down to the last detail. The rooms of the bastide, classified as a historical monument, are sober and chic. They combine the charm of the old via sculpted stone fireplaces and modern comfort thanks to contemporary furniture and the latest generation equipment.
They also offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the beautiful gardens of the castle. The estate has 17 rooms and suites spread over the different buildings of the castle. In the main building, 7 rooms in a refined and modern style with marble fireplaces and ceiling moldings that will certainly please guests. While the longères adjoining the castle accommodate 10 rooms in a more intimate style.
Chef Matthieu Dupuis Baumal at the stove
For gourmets, the two restaurants of the Château de la Gaude offer different styles. The chef Matthieu Dupuis Baumal is at the helm of these two restaurants. The menu of the Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant le Art features elaborate cuisine, set to the rhythm of the seasons, with Provencal flavors and colors while juggling with Japanese notes.
The decoration of the place is theatrical and cosy, inviting you to relax and savor refined delicacies. If you prefer bistronomic cuisine, the menu of the brasserie La Source, which takes its name from the natural underground spring that flows in the middle of the room, will seduce you with its Provencal local products mixed with the memories of Chef Baumal’s travels in Asia and Spain in particular.
These two tables are an invitation to ephemeral culinary journeys, to be tested very quickly.
A luxurious cellar
With more than 1000 wine references, the cellar offers bottles from the estate but also wines from the region and more widely from all over the world. Finesse, freshness and complexity are reflected in the estate’s wines. The grape varieties are mainly Grenache, Syrah, Grenage blanc, Cinsault, Rolle, Sémillon and Clairette.
The objective of the establishment is to produce a top-of-the-range wine that will reflect the luxurious aspect of Château de la Gaude. The estate’s wines are on sale at the cellar located at the entrance of the château. Thus, everyone can push the door and discover the impressive selection around tasting workshops every day of the week.
Wine tourism in Provence, a stopover among the vines
Exclusively at château de la Gaude, the “Eenchanted escape” offer, which offers you a night in a Suite or Suite Château Prestige with breakfast included, tasting of the estate’s wines, visit of the winery and vineyard, and room service by Chef Matthieu Dupuis Baumal.
A la carte, two tours of your choice.
Château de la Gaude : The Discovery Tour (1h)
Visit the vineyards, the winery and the barrel cellar, before concluding with a tasting of selected wines (Garance rosé, Hortense red, Altitude 400)
Château de la Gaude the Grands Crus visit (1h30)
Extend the Discovery tour with a visit to the aging cellar and a tasting of the entire range (Garance rosé & white, Mademoiselle, Hortense, La Chapelle de Gabrielle, La Treille and Altitude 400).
The visits will end in the Ivresse, the wine bar of the estate.
An invitation to relax at Spa Valmont
The Château de la Gaude recently inaugurated the new Spa Valmont. Nestled in a former stud farm whose soul and tone was preserved, it has been able to metamorphose into a veritable temple of well-being. The stables have been converted into treatment rooms and the outdoor fountain into a relaxation garden. The Spa Valmont offers a relaxing break. It combines expertise and know-how to rejuvenate body and mind. Rituals and massages, body and facial treatments, beauty services, sauna and hammam … are offered among a wide range of services.
The particularity of this Spa is that fashion defines its decor. Indeed, each space of the spa is dressed in a fabric of great creator. You will find cabins inspired by Jean-Paul Gaultier and others by Hermès. A real fashion show that will certainly make your eyes pop!
At the Spa of the Château de la Gaude, the whole team shares the desire for excellence. Guests will only have to savor a pure moment of relaxation in this extraordinary setting.
Discover Aix-en-Provence and its surroundings.
Provence, a region of character, is illustrated through many events, activities, but also thanks to unique landscapes.
In June, we recommend an excursion tothe lavender fields, which stretch as far as the eye can see. The smell that emanates from them immediately takes us back to childhood, brings back memories of vacations with our grandparents in a soft and relaxing atmosphere.
We also invite you to go on a journey of discovery in the villages of the Luberon, the quintessence of an authentic Provence. It is in the picturesque streets that you will be able to appreciate all the charm of the region where each village is unique thanks to the original architectures and the monuments that appear there.
Festival lovers, you are in luck since Aix-en-Provence and its region host numerous events throughout the year. This summer, you will enjoy the mythical Avignon festival just 1 hour away from the domain. Not to mention the International Festival of Lyric Art in Aix-en-Provence or the international piano festival in La Roque-d’Anthéron.
Today, the Château de la Gaude is the pride of Aix-en-Provence. A luxurious and exceptional place which is located about ten minutes from the city center. With the charm of the French gardens, the contemporary decoration and the adjoining wine estate, it’s the place to discover in Provence.
Photo credits: Richard Haughton, Valmont, Château de la Gaude
