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Provence Road Trip Part 2 – Vaucluse + Chateau de Mazan

Provence Road Trip Part 2 – Vaucluse + Chateau de Mazan

Provence Road Trip II - Vaucluse + Chateau de Mazan

Chateau de Mazan

As we pulled into Mazan, located in the valleys of the Vaucluse region, we quickly spotted Chateau de Mazan, a charming hotel towering high above the rest of town.  Mazan was laid out with a circled wall of buildings that dated back to the 14th century. The “portes” along the wall open to narrow streets leading you to churches, hidden fountains, and ancient residences. We pulled into one of these narrow inlets and made our way up a small hill where our chateau awaited.

Chateau de Mazan

The decor was unique and quirky. It felt reminiscent of its most famous former resident, Marquis de Sade, a once reviled, but now iconic French Aristocrat (known for his libertine sexuality).

Chateau de Mazan

We oohed and aahed at our large room and luxurious bed and quickly made ourselves at home. When we were nice and settled in we took to the town in search of a restaurant.

Provence Road Trip II - Vaucluse + Chateau de Mazan

As we aimlessly wandered our stomachs began to grumble louder and louder. Nothing was open! We soon learned that most of the town was closed on Monday. And since it happened to be Monday we were out of luck. But our luck quickly changed when we turned a corner and found a pizzeria that was open for lunch. Hooray!

Provence Pizza

Full and happy we continued our stroll around town. A passerby informed us that Kiera Knightly was married in the town hall down the road and that many of her guests had stayed at none other than Chateau de Mazan!

Town Hall

With a closed town on our hands, we loaded up our car and headed out to explore the nearby area.

Provence Drive

Provence

And what we found was rural France at its finest. The beautiful countryside greeted us with charming homes around every turn.Provence

We came across the tiny town of Suzette and found the perfect vista to enjoy a glass of wine. ProvenceProvence

2 bottles and 3 hours later we had several new friends to say goodbye to. The sun was setting and it was time to head back to check out the pool!Provence Road Trip II - Vaucluse + Chateau de Mazan

Provence Road Trip II - Vaucluse + Chateau de Mazan

We picked up a few provisions on the drive back, unsure what our dinner options would be, and made ourselves a picnic on our private garden. Unfortunately the hotel’s restaurant was not open, but the reviews suggest it is a gastronomic experience.Provence Road Trip II - Vaucluse + Chateau de Mazan

And watched the sun set over the town.

Provence Road Trip II - Vaucluse + Chateau de Mazan

The next morning we stumbled down to find a beautiful spread of french pastries, cheese, charcuterie, and fresh squeezed juice. The perfect breakfast to soak up all of yesterday’s wine.MazanMazan

Chateau de Mazan

After a leisurely breakfast, we said ‘au revoir’ to Chateau de Mazan and her pretty blue shutters and were on our way to explore more of Provence.

 

Claire Robinson

Tuesday 6th of October 2015

I have serious anglophile envy right now! Beautiful pictures and descriptions Jenny :)

Jenny Dolphin

Tuesday 6th of October 2015

Thanks, Claire!