History

Coat of Arms

François de Fogasses built the fortifications of Château Blanc in 1573 to the strict specifications of Charles IX, King of France. The château, designed as a fortress with four towers (three of which are still standing), faced the Papal Palace of Avignon, and established the border between the Kingdom of France and the Papal States. The cellar contains a stone carved with the date of 1627 (next to the name of the builder Mafet), precisely documenting when the living quarters of the feudal lord were completed. It is remarkable to find a Renaissance château, almost 400 years old, in such pristine condition and so little changed from its original construction!

Over the years, the moat has been filled and replaced by formal gardens, the drawbridge and portcullis have been removed and the rampart walk has been transformed into beautiful living quarters. In spite of these changes, refurbishment of the château has neither altered its grandeur nor markedly changed the original architecture. Building features such as the battlement openings above the main entrance, the window mullions and transoms, the arrow slits in the circular staircase and of course, the coat of arms of the Seigneur de Fogasses still remain intact. Built in the style of an Italian villa, the château benefits from large and numerous openings that permit the celebrated light of Provence to enter its spacious rooms.

1627 Cellar