Château de Montauban

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