Opening of the Château de la Calade in Aix-en-Provence for the 2026 European Heritage Days, during restoration works
Aix-en-Provence: Château de la Calade opens its doors despite scaffolding
Winner of the 2025 Mission Bern for the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Château de la Calade in Puyricard, Aix-en-Provence, will open its doors on 19 and 20 September 2026 for the European Heritage Days, while its roof and façades are being restored.
Editorial journal · Carte des Châteaux ·
On 19 and 20 September 2026, the Château de la Calade in Puyricard, on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, will open its doors for the European Heritage Days, even as scaffolding still partially obscures its façades. Winner of the 2025 Mission Bern for the Bouches-du-Rhône, this 17th-century estate, built from 1632 along the Touloubre, is undergoing restoration work on its structure and roof.
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A listed building with restricted access
Built from 1632 along the Touloubre, the Château de la Calade belongs to a private owner. The entire château and the surviving parts of its historic park are listed as historic monuments since May 2011; the château itself, excluding its outbuildings and park, has been classified since a decree dated 20 January 2015. The ongoing restoration works, winners of the 2025 Mission Bern for the Bouches-du-Rhône, focus on the building’s structure and roof.
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Partially obscured façades, but visits remain open
During the Heritage Days, the façades facing the terrace will be partially obscured by scaffolding, and some interior rooms will remain exceptionally inaccessible or undergoing redecoration. However, the majority of the château, its decor and its history will still be accessible to visitors on 19 and 20 September 2026.
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Visits directly fund the restoration
A self-guided tour of the exterior is offered at £2 without booking, while guided tours cost £8 and require booking via billetweb.fr. The proceeds from these visits go directly towards financing the monument’s restoration, according to information provided by the château.
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