 Route 1: Les Pinchinats between Aix and Puyricard |
 La Bastide de Violaine
The layout appears to be directly inspired by that of the garden of Le Nôtre for Versailles - all the proportions are retained -
Beautiful statues are scattered along the paths leading to a perfect little boxwood maze. Enigmatic like many gardens in Provence due to the originality of its composition, the richness and variety of the spaces set out over a small surface area, Violaine demonstrates the close relationship between the nobility of Aix and the greatest contemporary artists.
 Le Pavillon de Lenfant
Le pavillon de Lenfant (Simon Lenfant, Paymaster of France) built in 1678, is set in sumptuous gardens. The sobriety of the façade contrasts with the rich interior decor. The park was designed in the 18th century: French style boxwood garden, marble pools and fountains.
 La Bastide Romegas
"Roumegas" planted with brambles, dating from 1640-1650 and transformed in the 18th century. Two treasures to discover during your visit: the boxwood bed and its 'tèse'. Magnificent view of Mont St Victoire.
 Le Château de la Mignarde
Famous for having housed Pauline Borghèse in 1807, is it one of the bastides that is most representative of the Aix spirit of the 18th century.
The façade covered in stone dominates an 18th century garden designed by Nicolas Ledoux, decorated with pools and statues.
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Route 2: Pertuis, Puy Ste Réparade, Rognes |
 Le Château de Val Joanis
Situated in the Luberon, for several years Château de Val Joanis bore the coat of arms of Jean de Joanis, Secretary of King Louis III of Naples. Rediscovered in 1977 by Jean-Louis Chancel, the castle has 186 hectares of vineyards. The jewel of the property, aside from its wines, is the garden created in 1978 by Mme Chancel. There is wine tasting at the end of the tour.
 Le Château de Fonscolombe
Hidden in the vegetation amongst the prairies and vineyards, Château de Fonscolombe, built in 1720 for an eminent family of Aix parliamentarians, the Boyers of Fonscolombe, first reveals its rear façade before showing its southern façade, which opens onto the park, stretching out as far as the eye can see and giving the home its charm.
 Le Château d’Arnajon
Château d'Arnajon, was owned in the 17th century by an Agoult, then in turn by the Lord of Beaulieu, Jacques Leblanc, Paymaster of France in Provence, and is currently owned by the descendants of the Deleuil-Martiny.
A long driveway of plane trees leads to the Italian style terraced gardens and to a cool grotto that' leaving you with a sweet fragrance of nostalgia…
 Le Château de Beaulieu
'Ex Imo Vulcani': the motto of Beaulieu, built as a stronghold around the 12th century, is a reminder of the volcanic origin of this area, situated on the immense crater of the only volcano in Provence. This volcanic soil nourishes the vineyards of Beaulieu, which produce a quality wine that you can taste at the end of your tour….after you have seen the enchanting garden.
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