Château de la Gaude

The art of mixology

Whether at the bar, on the terrace or on the lawn, you can dive with pleasure into the creative and sensory world of cocktails of this prestigious estate in Aix-en-Provence.

Maxime Farnet, 29, has been the head bartender at Château de la Gaude since it opened. Since then, he has never ceased to want to pass on a love of cocktails to his customers. Accompanied by a team of 5 bartenders, he created a special identity for each of the three bars on the estate. The Bar de la Source, the Bar du Kaizeki and the B’Art, the cocktail kiosk installed in the gardens of the Orangerie, all offer eclectic and constantly updated menus reflecting seasonal produce. “We offer traditional drinks and more experimental cocktails that shake up your taste buds!” Thus, the Cuban Mash-up has become its Signature cocktail, bringing together three great Cuban classics, a mojito and two styles of daiquiri. While the ingredients are obviously at the heart of the process – the estate has more than 400 spirits – their containers are just as important. Glassware is an integral part of the experience. “The trend is more towards minimalism and sobriety but we took the opposite approach by bringing meaning and aesthetics to highlight our creations.” Whether you want to enjoy an improvised cocktail at the bar, to participate in an exciting masterclass or relax during an afterwork on the terrace, any occasion is good to discover these beverages. The team continues to innovate, pushing the limits of mixology by creating cocktails in casks just like for whisky or wine and offering cocktail tasting. This approach forms part of its ambition to become the first cocktail cellar in France.