Did the Marquis de Sade live at Saumane castle?

Yes, he spent part of his childhood there, between the ages of 5 and 10, at the home of his uncle Jacques de Sade.

How old is Saumane castle?

The current main building dates mainly from the 15th century, with further transformations in the 16th and 17th centuries built upon an earlier medieval stronghold.

Is Saumane castle a listed historic monument?

Yes, the built and unbuilt parts of the estate were classified as a historic monument by decree on 7 January 2020.

Can visitors go inside Saumane castle?

The available information does not specify indoor visiting conditions, so it is best to check directly with the site.

Château de Saumane-de-Vaucluse

Saumane-de-Vaucluse

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Prices: from €8.00
Where: Saumane-de-Vaucluse

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Château de Saumane stands in Saumane-de-Vaucluse (Vaucluse), in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 15th century, 16th century, 18th century). Adult admission costs 8 EUR. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Set on a rocky spur above the village, Saumane castle keeps the layered marks of a medieval stronghold and a pleasure residence built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Sade family held the estate for generations, and it was here that the future Marquis de Sade spent part of his childhood at his uncle Jacques's home. Visitors can see a grand staircase with a double curved flight framing a vaulted chapel, along with a fortified courtyard where traces of the original moat remain.

Written from Château de Saumane

What to know

The castle stands on a rocky spur, with a northern access via a fortified slope that requires some physical effort.
The southern access to the terrace leads directly from the village of Saumane.
The monument is a listed historic monument.
Opening hours, admission fees and access conditions are not detailed here, so it is worth checking locally before visiting.

Practical information

Prices

Adult: €8.00
Child: €5.00

Free for under 10 years old, tour guides

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Free parking, available on the left just after the climb up to the Château

Where this château is

Saumane-de-Vaucluse · Vaucluse · Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Map of the area around Château de Saumane

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Mnt du Château, 84800 Saumane-de-Vaucluse

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 4 90 38 04 78

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.2 / 5from 293 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00082162
Period of construction: 15th century, 16th century, 18th century

Itineraries

In pictures

Frequently asked

Did the Marquis de Sade live at Saumane castle?: Yes, he spent part of his childhood there, between the ages of 5 and 10, at the home of his uncle Jacques de Sade.
How old is Saumane castle?: The current main building dates mainly from the 15th century, with further transformations in the 16th and 17th centuries built upon an earlier medieval stronghold.
Is Saumane castle a listed historic monument?: Yes, the built and unbuilt parts of the estate were classified as a historic monument by decree on 7 January 2020.
Can visitors go inside Saumane castle?: The available information does not specify indoor visiting conditions, so it is best to check directly with the site.