Chateau de Cassis

The castle's dramatic history began in the 5th century with a Roman watchtower overlooking the ancient port of Carsicis. In the 8th century, fortified walls rose around the tower with a Saracen tower still standing. The existing castle walls took shape in the 13th century during occupation by the powerful Baux family in 1223. François des Baux built bulwarks around four square 8-metre high towers to strengthen maritime defenses between 1372 and 1380, adding a well, baker's oven and church of Saint-Michel. By the 15th century, as many as 50 homes and 250 inhabitants lived within the castle walls. In 1524, Imperial soldiers of Charles V attacked, killing men and destroying ramparts. The castle was acquired by the Count of Grignan in the 17th century who strengthened its defenses. General Bonaparte inspected the artillery on February 10, 1794. The artillery was destroyed during an English assault on April 17, 1813, reducing the castle's defensive role. The property was sold to a tobacco grower from Saint-Cyr in 1896, and has remained private property since. The current owners undertook a six-year restoration to restore the château to its natural splendor.