Located in the captivating village of Saint Didier, in the heart of Provence, the magnificient Chateau de Thezan, acquired by two enthusiasts dedicated to restoring its former glory, will, for the first time in its history, open the doors to its interior spaces. Surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes and nestled beneath the iconic Mont Ventoux, this enchanting castle offers a glimpse into the rich history and natural splendor of the region.

Passionate Restorers and Guardians of History

Pierre de Beytia and Emmanuel Renoux share a passion for ancient stones, furniture, art, and exquisite gardens. Seeking a new chapter in their lives, they left their careers in Paris and set their sights on the unique climate of the Southeast. In February 2015, they stumbled upon the enchanting Château de Thézan. Captivated by its beauty yet daunted by the extensive restoration it required, they finally acquired the property in 2019. Their vision was clear: to find a historic site, ideally untouched, and breathe new life into it, not just for themselves but also to share with others.

Their dream came to fruition with the castle, nestled in Saint-Didier, Vaucluse. The Château occupies a central position in the village, facing the Church, and offers captivating views of both the village and the surrounding farmland. With its impressive outbuildings, the estate spans over 4000m2 of floor space, 1.4 hectares of enclosed land, and 3.5 hectares of agricultural fields.

The Resurrection of the Castle

The Château de Thézan stands on the ancient grounds of a Roman villa and underwent a remarkable transformation into a distinguished residence during the first half of the 16th century. From the magnificent Cour d’Honneur, one can marvel at the splendor bestowed upon the Château by the Marquis de Thézan-Venasque during the Renaissance. Reflecting the influence of Italy, particularly as the Comtat Venaissin was a Papal State, the architecture of this prosperous era showcases distinctive features such as mullioned windows and intricately carved stone doors and passageways. Despite receiving minimal upkeep, the Château and its gardens sadly fell into neglect in 2016, becoming susceptible to vandalism and decay. However, undeterred by the challenging state of affairs, the current owners took up the mantle of restoration four years ago, embarking on a journey driven by unwavering determination to revive the estate to its former glory. The renovation works are progressing at a rapid pace. The roof, interior spaces, and the park… The latter opened to the public for the first time in the summer of 2022. This year, a portion of the interior spaces will be unveiled. Among them is the spectacular Ballroom adorned with frescoes by Pierre Mignard the Younger, the Music Salon, the Gaming Salon, the Guards’ Room, and the Baths-Showers, all impressively renovated and furnished spaces of remarkable beauty.

A Stunning Exhibition by Caitrona Platts-Manoury

Caitriona Platts-Manoury, an Irish artist and graduate of London’s prestigious “Central Saint Martins” school, has dedicated over 20 years to the art of ceramics. With a deep passion for clay as a medium, she embraces the motto “Clay is a magical material for boundless creation.”

Inspired by nature, contemporary art, and design, Caitriona’s hand-built creations are vibrant and unique. Her earthenware and stoneware pieces exhibit a rich range of colors. With her latest exhibition “Totems” showcased at the Château de Thézan Park in Provence, Caitriona’s sculptural spheres enchant viewers with their playful elegance, reflecting her unwavering artistic vision.

Her website here : https://www.caitrionaceramics.com/ 

In conclusion, the Château de Thézan stands as a remarkable testament to the dedication and vision of its current owners, Pierre and Emmanuel. Their unwavering commitment to preserving and reviving this historic treasure has breathed new life into the castle, allowing visitors to experience its grandeur and immerse themselves in its rich history. Don’t hesitate to visit and enjoy its visual splendors!