The Château de Lauris, a castle rebuilt in the 18th century and then remodeled in the 20th century by architect Pierre Broise for the Missions étrangères, dominates the terraces overlooking the valley of the Durance and offers a wide view of the valley. Parts of the castle, its gardens, and hydraulic systems are listed as historical monuments since 2003. The domain includes the Jardin conservatoire des plantes tinctoriales, a botanical garden entirely dedicated to colored plants, which is presented as unique in Europe and is located on the south-east terraces.
The castle was reconstructed after 1733 and remained unfinished during the Revolution, before being completed and reorganized in the 19th century. In the 20th century, it was remodeled by Pierre Broise. The current elevation from the 18th and 19th centuries rests on medieval lower levels. The domain features vast terraces supported by walls, served by a network of water galleries, reservoirs, basins, and fountains, many of which are protected as historical monuments.
The remarkable garden offers a wide panorama over the valley of the Durance. Visitors can see the complex hydraulic system, including the nymphée and various fountains, while exploring the historical significance of the site's architecture and its transition from a medieval fortress to a botanical sanctuary.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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