
Château de Montauban
Fontvieille - Monument
The residence, celebrated in the preface to 'Letters From My Windmill', was primarily a place of peace and relaxation for Alphonse Daudet, 'Blessed house, so many times have I come here to seek the healing touch of nature, to cure myself of Paris and its fevers...'
This superb building, with its late 18th century gabled façade, was the residence of the Ambroy family, which housed the author during his stays in Provence.
Daudet made regular stays there with his wife Julia from 1863, at the invitation of his cousins.
Nowadays, the building is open to private visitors during the summer season and all year round for groups, subject to booking.
The 'Fontvieille in History' exhibition presents the themes of Provençal, and more particularly Fontvieille, traditions. The place itself testifies to our village's rich historical heritage (as do a number of ancient and mediaeval monuments).
The first room pays tribute to Alphonse Daudet, whose stays in Fontvieille evoked this 'blessed house', where he was made to feel so welcome.
The second room is dedicated to Léo Lelée, painter of Arlésiennes, and to the Provençal costume which he played a large part in promoting in the early 20th century. More recent interpretations of the costume would be based on Lelée's classical version.
The third room is dedicated to the course camarguaise and bears the name of the famous raseteur Manolo Falomir.
The fourth room contains a Provençal nativity scene and the work of Fontvieille santon figurine-makers.
Since 2012, the Alphonse Daudet Museum has been housed inside the château through major works by the writer and translations of his internationally famous book 'Letters From My Windmill'.
There is a shop selling books by the author and Arterra santons representing the most famous characters from his books. You can also buy the souvenir medal (2006 model) from the Paris Mint.
- Accessible for disabled
- Public car park
Information provided by OT Fontvieille
-
Contact
Château de Montauban
Chemin Montauban
13990 Fontvieille -
Phone
- 04 90 54 67 49
-
Tours
Where to stay

Mas de Lèbre
Fontvieille
In the heart of the Alpilles, gite in the countryside, adjoining the owners'farmhouse, on a cereals (rice) and wine concern. Close to the tourist sites, especially the Moulin de Daudet. Ideally situated to discover the Alpilles. Secured shared swimming-pool (11 m x 6 m) from the 15th of june to…

La Maison d'Amandine
Fontvieille
Doté d'une terrasse et d'une connexion Wi-Fi gratuite, l'établissement Chez amandine se situe à Fontvieille. La salle de bains privative entièrement équipée est pourvue d'une douche et d'un sèche-cheveux. Vous séjournerez à 33 km d'Avignon et à 38 km de Nîmes. Enfin, l'aéroport de…

Villa Regalido
Fontvieille
An ancient oil mill in the heart of Provence. Flower garden and terraces where meals are served. Personalised rooms, some with private terrace. Restaurant: specialties: Provençal and méditerrannéennes flavours, creative and fun cuisine since 1964; we use local produce revealing them in a…

Les Mazets des Roches
Tarascon
The Mazets des Roches, a charming hotel located at the beginning of the west Alpilles, is in a densely wooded domain abouding with squirrels and songs birds. It is in the heart of the most famous places of Provence. A three stars hotel with air conditioning throughout, it offers a relaxing…

Gite La Treille
Tarascon
Near the Alpilles, among Tarascon and Fontvieille, beautiful property completely fenced facing the Chapelle St Gabriel (on the D33). At the guests' disposal, 2 hectares of olive trees and green spaces, swimming pool (5x10 m) open from 15/04 to 15/10, children games on a closed area, fitness and…

La Bastide De Fontvieille
Fontvieille
In the countryside, between Alpilles and Camargue and 5 minutes from the center of Fontvieille, beautiful new house on 2 levels, on a fenced garden of 2000m² with swimming pool (5x10 m) open from 1 April to 30 October. Terrace (42 m²) partly covered with garden furniture, barbecue. Ground…

The Mas Of Emilia
Fontvieille
At the gates of Fontvieille, just 3 minutes from the heart of the village, we will be happy to welcome you in spacious, air conditioned and very individual rooms. Fine shower room, separate toilet. Hearty home made breakfasts are served on the terrace between 8 AM to 10 AM. Enjoy the pool.…
Things to do

Aqueduc et Meunerie de Barbegal
Fontvieille
The aqueducts, remains of which can still be seen near the Barbegal mill, are a diversion of the 'De Caperon', aqueduct which channelled water from the southern slope of the Alpilles. The construction techniques used for the section before the mill differ from those observed on the route of the…

MOULIN MAS DE DAUDET
Fontvieille
Paysan Pastier de père en fils depuis 5 générations, la terre, la nature, les traditions sont ancrées dans la famille. L'exploitation agricole familiale s'étend entre la Tour des Abbés et l'Abbaye de Montmajour dans une plaine au sol argilo calcaire, où le climat méditerranéen, en fait…

Château d'Estoublon
Fontvieille
Located on the southern slopes of the Alpilles, at the entrance to Fontvieille, this wine- and oil-producing estate extends over 200 hectares, including 10 hectares of Baux-de-Provence AOC and Coteaux d'Aix AOC vines and 48 hectares planted with Vallée des Baux-de-Provence AOC olive groves. The…

Moulin du Saint Jean
Fontvieille
Driven by tradition and an ancestral knowledge of olives, Jean Paul Sourdon, the great-grandson and grandson of oil-pressers, opened his own mill in June 1998. Tradition and modernity come together, and the yellow gold olive oil is covered by the Vallée des Baux-de-Provence AOC. The selection of…

Mas de l'Ange
Fontvieille
The Mas de l'Ange in Fontvieille definitely takes its name from the kindness and hospitality of its owners. In his farm, Mr Monnier produces traditional olive oils, cracked olives, black olives, olive creams, tapenades, jams and his speciality, olive jam, which is available for tasting.

Chapelle Saint Gabriel
Tarascon
On the ancient site of Ernaginum, at the crossroads of the Via Agrippa and the Via Domitia, which later became a mediaeval stronghold, the 12th century Saint Gabriel Chapel and the former 13th century Château still testify to the site's prestigious past. A masterpiece of southern Romanesque…
Where to eat

Le Patio
Fontvieille
Catherine and Jean-Pierre Cote concoct local specialities in the rustic setting of this 18th-century sheepfold. Served by the fire or out on the terrace in summer, treats include the Alpilles lamb roasted with hay from La Crau (AOC), confit young rabbit with olive oil from the Moulin du Mas Saint…

Les Mazets des Roches
Tarascon
At the western point of the Alpilles, between Tarascon and Fontvieille, you will find a 13-hectare estate hidden from view, 200 m from the 12th century Saint-Gabriel Chapel: Les Mazets des Roches. 3-star hotel listed in several guide books. Satellite. Organisation of seminars, banquets, family…

L'AMI PROVENCAL
Fontvieille
L avis de Gault&Millau sur le restaurant L'Ami Provençal : Elle est bien jolie, l'histoire que Fanny et Yoann Palmero commencent à écrire dans cet écrin de pure Provence. Fontvieille, c'est un village pour Mistral et Daudet réunis, et cette maison sur la placette, prolongée par une très…

Hostellerie de la Tour
Fontvieille
The years seem to leave no mark on this classic Provencal address. Set at the foot of the Tour des Abbés, this ancient hay barn is home to a hotel-restaurant with pool and garden. An agreeable stop-off, where the chef delights guests with Provencal classics such as aubergine papetons, stuffed…
Inspirations

The bouillabaisse of Marseille
Bouillabaisse, an ancient treasure and epic adventure...

The MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Lifestyle
When we talk about the South of France, what's the first thing we think of? The MEDITERRANEAN SEA! (and the sun of course – it's all part of the package).