Château Carqueiranne a historic heritage site
Château Carqueiranne, a historic heritage site in Provence, stands as a testament to the region’s traditions and history. Located in Carqueiranne, this town was once a Provencal seigneury. Its roots date back to the 13th century under the aegis of Guillaume de Carcarana.
A historic heritage site in Provence
The history of Château de Carqueiranne is closely tied to the seigniorial families of Carqueiranne. In particular, the Thomas de Fos and Ripert families left a lasting legacy in the 15th and 17th centuries. Located in the heart of Provence, this castle witnessed numerous significant historical events. For example, the bishop of Toulon, Louis de La Tour du Pin de Montauban, passed away there on 12 September 1737. Today, Château Carqueiranne remains a true testament to the region’s rich historic heritage.
Richet’s influence at Château Carqueiranne
Spanning 250 hectares, the estate was acquired by the Richet family in 1873. They renovated the château’s façade and developed new infrastructure, including the Colle Noire dam, water reservoirs, greenhouses, and farm buildings. The family also acquired the nearby island of Grand Ribaud.
Charles Richet, Nobel Prize winner in Medicine and a passionate scientist, conducted numerous metapsychic experiments with the renowned medium Eusapia Paladino. In 1896, alongside his friend Victor Tatin, he also developed the first steam-powered aeroplane in a hangar constructed by the Eiffel workshops.
Restoration of the Historic Estate
In the 20th century, the château fell into serious decline, culminating in the partial collapse of its west tower in 2018.
Declared a safety hazard in 2022, it was rescued by the Lamour family, who rallied to preserve this exceptional piece of historical heritage. Restoration of the various buildings began in 2023 and includes the château, the chapel, the paillote, the dovecote, the silkworm nursery, the Eiffel greenhouse, the farm sheds, and the rainwater tanks.
New winegrowing roots at Château Carqueiranne
At the same time, a winegrowing development project has been launched in partnership with Cellier de la Crau. Today, the Château Carqueiranne wine estate spans 25 hectares of vineyards, located across the communes of Carqueiranne, La Crau, and Hyères. The estate produces wines under the Côtes de Provence PDO and PGI Var appellations.
