Chateau de Cassis

The Château de Cassis originated in the 5th century as a simple Roman stone and wood watchtower overlooking the ancient port of Carsicis. In the 8th century, fortified walls were added around the tower, with the distinctive Saracen tower remaining as architectural evidence. The castle took its current form in the 13th century when the powerful Baux family occupied it as Castum Carcisis in 1223. During the Hundred Years War, François des Baux constructed bulwarks around four square towers and added a well, baker's oven, and chapel. At its peak in the 15th century, the castle housed up to 50 homes and 250 inhabitants within its walls. The fortress endured multiple attacks, including a devastating 1524 assault by Charles V's Imperial soldiers and artillery destruction during an English assault in 1813. In 1794, the young General Bonaparte made a historic inspection of the castle's artillery. The castle was purchased as a private property by a tobacco grower in 1896 and has remained private since. The current owners completed a comprehensive six-year restoration to preserve its historic character while providing modern comfort.