URBAN GUIDE

Château d’Estoublon has been totally restored; it’s now a palatial residence on a par with the prestige of its wine and olive estate.

A little history is called for, because sometimes history is like a fairy tale! In the middle ages Le Grand Mas, as it was then called, belonged to the local nobility, the Comtes de Baux. A few wars later and after much damage to the estate, in the 17th century the house was rebuilt. In 1900 it became the Château d’Estoublon. In 1998 the Schneider family bought it and entrusted its management to Valérie, the youngest of the family, and her husband Rémy Reboul. The building was virtually in ruins, the estate running wild; pulling it all together was an immense task.

A great Provençal terroir
Rémy looks after the land, a precious asset in the Vallée des Baux where the soil is known for its quality. A particular advantage is that each of the olive groves consists of a single variety and so produces a particular oil: Béruguette, Bouteillan, Figuerolles, Picholine and Grossane have individual flavours and colours and go with different dishes. There is also a Vallée des Baux PDO oil whose skilful composition is reviewed each year. The grape varieties are black Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds and Roussane, Marsanne and white Grenache for whites and rosés. They are organically grown and the finished wines are showcased in extremely stylish bottles and gift packs, with Valérie overseeing the design. After a stroll in the park, we can choose an elegant bottle or two from the Boutique Collection in the château’s fine grocery shop, then head to the Bistrot Mogador for a tasting meal.

Palatial residence

Three years’ intensive renovation work has restored the big château to all its former glory. The three 500m2 floors, overlooking gardens, vineyards and olive groves with the white cliffs of the Alpilles in the distance, radiate a quintessentially French art of living. Valérie has decorated «her home» with loving care, always with her father and his enthusiasms in mind. The guestrooms and suites, the two reception rooms, three dining rooms, reading room, bar and billiard room have all been meticulously fitted and decorated. A colour, a material, a pattern, each leading to the other; nothing has been left to chance in these warmly elegant rooms. There is a home cinema, a fitness room and a hammam, the excellent chef Yvan Gilardi in the kitchen, and a large staff of remarkable people. Valérie has aimed for excellence, and is letting her home for outstanding holidays and events. A single floor can be privatised, or the entire place (up to 20 people), for family or friends to bask in the luxury life together for a while. Totally exclusive – and magnificent.

Fontvieille, route de Maussane. www.estoublon.com