If you just ask around when you are by Mane, Forcalquier or Dauphin, in the Provence area of the South of France, you can be directed to this. They only do a guided tour at 15h30 daily. Our guide was kind of rude but really did a good job anyway. The tour lasts a couple of hours. This was built by slave traders long ago who got filthy rich off it and were much favored by royalty here as a result. This is called SAUVAN. Vistors must stay in restricted areas and not interact with the many animals here, which include a lot of peacocks. This is in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence département of Southeastern France and is well worth a visit. The guide only spoke French, however, so be advised. The very deep decorative pool was functional as a source of water in the case of emergency fires. I think it is a couple of meters deep. This is pretty close to the Mediterranean sea but in an Alpine region, kind of adjacent to Lubéron or actually in it. The château has a very large boutique with regional, organic products and artisanal materials for the lowest prices I saw around here. Tremendous variety and really nice things. The work the family does to keep this place up is incredible and costly. France considers this part of the country's heritage. There are disputes going on over the restoration of the gardens, as they try to keep things archeologically accurate but also appropriate. The French have a strong sense of aesthetics and a lot of their choices connect with the weather and the elements. If it is a grey region, grey might be selected. If it is a sunnier region, colors might be considered. The story of the man who recuperated this after the dreadful French Revolution of the 18th c. is fascinating for anyone who studies law. It had been seized from him but he made the new France pay him damages and interest. In fact, his arguments were brilliant and although I have a major problem with slavery and have ancestors in the Underground Railroad in the USA, I was stunned at his audacity and fortitude. One recent occupant, a young girl, liked to ride her horse inside right upstairs so the central staircase is damaged. The poor animals she rode had to be lowered with a pulley system. Wild girl. One room I saw in this place, no, two, is in decayed state to show how complex and dangerous restoration and maintenance are. copyright 2013 Lisa B. Falour, B.S., M.B.A. cutecatfaith.com All photos and videos are forbidden inside the house but outside are encouraged. Dailymotion: LisaFalour YouTube: SLOBOMOTION, CUTECATFAITH

• published: 17 Oct 2013
• views: 33