Welcome to La Barben castle, a unique place in Provence. A former fortress dating back to the 11th century, this thousand-year-old castle offers an extraordinary journey through history thanks to its leisure park, the Rocher Mistral. The program includes captivating shows, fun activities and an immersion in the history of the region. It's also an opportunity to enjoy a fine meal in an exceptional setting. Get ready for an unforgettable visit to the heart of Provence.
The fascinating history of Château de la Barben
First mentioned in 1064 in the cartulary of the Abbey of Saint-Victor in Marseille, Château de La Barben has evolved over the centuries. In the 15th century, it became the property of King René, before being sold to Jean II de Forbin in 1474. The Marquis de Forbin family owned the château for almost five hundred years.
The château underwent major renovations in the 17th century, transforming the medieval fortress into a pleasure residence with formal gardens designed by Le Nôtre. The early 20th century saw the collapse of the keep due to an earthquake, but it was quickly restored.
Today, the château is home to the Rocher Mistral leisure park, offering total immersion in Provencal history with captivating shows and activities. A visit to Château de La Barben promises lasting memories for the whole family.
Rocher Mistral: a unique theme park in Provence
A Provencal Puy-du-Fou
Rocher Mistral stands out for its immersive shows and exceptional historical setting. You'll discover a variety of performances, including comedy, stunts and sword fights, to delight young and old alike.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in interactive animations. For example, children's riddles are offered to make the visit even more fun. Night-time shows in the château's gardens offer a magical experience, where sound and light transform the setting into a veritable fairytale.
Historical re-enactments
For history buffs, the park offers faithful reconstructions of key moments in Provence's history. Visitors can relive the Napoleonic epic or discover the stories of emblematic figures such as Mireille and Pauline Borghese.
A visit to the Guinguette de Marius is also a must, to enjoy local gastronomy in a convivial atmosphere.
Visits and events: Immerse yourself in the past
Guided tours of the château offer a fascinating plunge into the medieval past.Accompanied by costumed guides, explore the underground passages and dungeons, and discover the knights' equipment and weapons of war.
For younger visitors, there are treasure hunts and riddles. They can search for intruders or solve age-appropriate mysteries.
Historical re-enactments, such as the battle of the knights ready to do anything to defend the castle, are also on offer. These immersive moments let the whole family relive the Middle Ages.
At dusk, Provençal evenings take over, with local tales and legends. It's the perfect opportunity to pass on the knowledge and tales of yesteryear, in a magical, authentic atmosphere.
Dazzling shows in the heart of the château
The shows at Château de La Barben are a real immersion in Provencal history. One of the most popular is the medieval stunt show, which amazes visitors with its epic battles and impressive action scenes. The show plunges the audience into a world where knights fight for honor and justice.
The park also offers enchanting night-time shows. Under a starry sky, the French gardens light up for enchanting performances. Dancers, actors and stuntmen perform in a unique setting, transporting spectators back in time.
For fans of historical narratives, immersive shows such as “La Révolte des Cascavèu” offer a fascinating plunge into the 17th century. Visitors can discover the key moments in the castle's history in a captivating and interactive way.
The castle restaurant : culinary discovery in Provence
The Auberge Daudet, nestled in the château's former stables, offers a unique culinary experience in Provence. The decor is charming, with old mill wings hanging from the ceiling, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere.
The menu features Provencal specialties prepared with top-quality local ingredients. Not-to-be-missed dishes include pesto ravioli and praline-based desserts.
Visitors can choose from several dining options in the Rocher Mistral park:
L'Auberge Daudet for a complete and refined meal
La Guinguette de Marius for a quicker option, ideal for gourmet breaks.
The restaurant is open every day the park is open, from 12pm to 2pm and from 7pm to 9pm. It is advisable to book in advance, especially in high season, to guarantee a table.
Rates and opening times
Rates for visiting Château de La Barben vary according to the activities chosen. For a visit to the château alone, the rate is 10 euros per adult and 8 euros per child. Children under 4 are free.
For a complete experience including a visit to the château and a medieval animation, expect to pay 17 euros per adult and 13 euros per child. Puzzle enthusiasts can also opt for a booklet of riddles at 5 euros for adults and 3 euros for children.
The site is open every day, with opening times adapted according to the season:
January-February: 10am to 5:30pm
March-June: 10 am to 6 pm
July-August: 9am to 7pm
September-October: 10 am to 6 pm
November-December: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Reduced rates are sometimes available online here.
Who bought Château de la Barben? Vianney d'Alançon
Vianney d'Alançon, an entrepreneur with a passion for heritage, acquired the Château de La Barben in December 2019. Drawing on his experience in restoring the Château de Saint-Vidal, he set out to transform La Barben into a place of culture and living history.
His project, dubbed Rocher Mistral, aims to create a Provencal theme park. With an investment of 30 million euros, it includes immersive shows, historical animations and workshops to promote local know-how.
To carry out this mission, Vianney has brought together influential partners, including the Dassault and Michelin families. The aim is to turn the château into a major tourist attraction, capable of attracting 300,000 visitors a year.
Privately-financed renovation work has already begun, including restoration of the roofs and terraces.
A night at the château: an unforgettable experience in our opinion
Spending the night at Château de La Barben is a timeless experience. From the moment you arrive, you'll be welcomed into a magical atmosphere, where every detail has been carefully thought out to ensure a memorable stay.
Imagine yourself in a sumptuously decorated room, with period furniture and breathtaking views over the French gardens. The intoxicating scent of flowers and the caress of the Provencal breeze add to the enchantment.
Your evening begins with a gourmet dinner in the Auberge Daudet, followed by breathtaking night-time shows. The gardens light up, and the castle walls come to life with light projections and artistic performances.
Visitors can choose from several night-time activities:
Sound and light shows
Theatrical performances
Night strolls in the gardens
Every moment spent here is designed to amaze and captivate, making your night at Château de La Barben a truly unforgettable experience.
The château's wooded grounds: nature and relaxation
The wooded grounds of Château de La Barben invite you to take a peaceful stroll in the heart of nature. With its vast green spaces, it's a haven of peace, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Visitors can admire a wide variety of century-old trees, including some brought back from America by Louis de Forbin. The park's shaded walkways offer cool moments, perfect for a stroll with family or friends.
The park is also equipped with picnic areas, allowing you to enjoy lunch al fresco. Younger visitors will appreciate the play areas specially designed for them.
Regular events and workshops offer fun and educational activities related to nature and the environment. The park is an unmissable place to relax for lovers of nature and tranquillity.
Where is La Barben castle ? Near Aix-en-Provence
“Château de La Barben” is ideally located just 20 minutes from Aix-en-Provence. Close to major roads, it's easily accessible for visitors from all over the region.
By car, take the A8 freeway towards Salon-de-Provence, then follow the signs to La Barben. The site is also served by shuttle buses from the Salon-de-Provence bus station.
For nature lovers, the area around the château offers great hiking opportunities. You can explore the pine-shaded hills and banks of the Touloubre river, ideal for a family outing.
Visitors can also discover the picturesque villages around the château, such as Saint-Cannat and Pélissanne, which are brimming with Provencal charm.
Why did Rocher Mistral buy the château?
Rocher Mistral bought the Château de La Barben for a number of strategic and cultural reasons. The main objective was to create a unique theme park in Provence, showcasing the region's rich history and culture. Inspired by the success of the historical shows at Château de Saint-Vidal, Vianney d'Alançon wanted to replicate this immersive experience.
The Rocher Mistral project aims to attract a wide audience with grandiose shows and historical animations. Motivations include :
Heritage preservation: The château was in need of major renovation to ensure its longevity.
Economic development: The park hopes to generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs.
Knowledge transfer: By staging Provencal stories, the project aims to educate and entertain visitors.
In this way, Rocher Mistral combines heritage protection, economic dynamism and cultural enhancement.
Where to stay near Rocher Mistral?
Near Rocher Mistral, several accommodation options are available to extend your stay.
For a luxurious experience, the five-star InterContinental Marseille - Hôtel Dieu offers spectacular views of the Old Port. If you prefer a more intimate setting, B&Bs near the park offer an authentic immersion in Provencal culture.
Here are a few suggestions:
Château de La Barben: sumptuous rooms overlooking the river.
Ace Hôtel in Salon-de-Provence: ideal for groups with exclusive offers.
Ibis Salon de Provence: 10 minutes from the park, with swimming pool and buffet restaurant.
For those looking for a country atmosphere, the village of Pont-Royal, 20 minutes away, combines authenticity and modernity. These options offer the perfect setting for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.