La Barben castle

Located in the heart of La Barben in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, Château de la Barben is one of the region’s most beautiful historic sites. Its architecture, surrounding green spaces and history make it a magnificent destination for vacations with family or friends.

Château de la Barben hosts a multitude of shows throughout the year. Several services are also available on site. For your getaway in the region, we recommend you book a stay at the campsite near Marseille. It’s a 53-minute drive (65.3 km) from the Château.

The history of Château de la Barben

Château de la Barben was built in the 11th century. The exact date is not known, but historians estimate that it was in the early 1000s. The building was owned by the Pontevès family. In the 15th century, it became the property of King René, who later sold it to Jean II de Forbin.

Château de la Barben was long owned by the Forbin dynasty. In the 17th century, Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister, Pauline Borghese, took over. In 1909, the building was hit hard by an earthquake. Reconstruction work began two years later. In 1984, Château de la Barben was listed as a Monument Historique.

Services and shows at Château de la Barben

Château de la Barben offers a number of practical services. In particular, there’s the Auberge Daudet. This is the Château’s restaurant. Let yourself be tempted by the region’s most succulent culinary specialties, specially concocted by Chef David Boucher. And because it’s Christmas, delicious sweet menus are also available.

Shows at Château de la Barben

The Château de la Barben offers a wide range of shows for young and old alike. During the festive season, the magic of Christmas is on display in all its splendor. Don’t miss the Christmas Romance. It’s a ballet of traditional Provencal dances.

Visitors will also enjoy Forbin, le Chevalier de la Royale. This immersive show tells the story of Forbin, one of the former owners of Château de la Barben. Three other attractions are open to the public:

• The Cascaveu revolt: set in Aix-en-Provence in 1630, this was a period marked by the deadly return of plague and poverty.
• La quête des Bâtisseurs: a 360-degree video projection show. It tells the story of Bénezet, an exile who went to meet the monks who built Saint-Victor Abbey.
• Le souffle de la Provence: another 360-degree video projection. Viewers discover the richness of Provence and the Château de la Barben.

Rates and practical information

Château de la Barben is open on all weekends in December 2021, in addition to December 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2021. Rates are proposed as follows:

• 19 euros from age 13
• 13 euros up to age 12
• 17 euros for reduced adult rates (seniors, military personnel, jobseekers, students…)
• 11 for reduced children’s rates.

Admission is free for children under 5.