The Story of Villa Baulieu
Villa Baulieu, meaning beautiful place, more than earns its name. This 17th-century Tuscan villa near Aix-en-Provence is steeped in the history of the land, from ancient volcanoes and Roman viticulture to the noble families of Provence – and beyond.
Ancient beginnings
Long before the first vines were grown, the ancient landscapes of Provence were writing the first chapter in the story of Villa Baulieu. Resting in the crater of France’s only volcano, the Villa Baulieu estate is inextricable from its exceptionally rich terroir – the nourishing volcanic soil that has produced such remarkable wines for over two thousand years.
The estate's vines, today classified as AOC Côteaux-d'Aix-en-Provence, mark the continuation of a rich wine-growing tradition stretching all the way back to Roman times. As remarkable then as it is today, the rich terroir and sun-soaked climate of the estate provided the perfect conditions for wine-loving Romans – as evidenced by the estate’s Roman aqueduct, which still feeds the estate today.
Villa Baulieu’s noble past
Centuries later, in 1576, Henry III made Villa Baulieu a fiefdom. In the centuries that followed, a succession of Provence’s most noble families – the Alamanons, Agoults, Oraisons, Pontleroys, Tourneforts and Candolles – joined an illustrious line of custodians. In the 17th-century, an Italian-style villa was built on the basaltic foundations of the estate’s existing country house, with four imposing stone towers added in 1805. Since then, the villa has remained almost unchanged, creating a truly timeless experience wreathed in history.
A new era
Surrounded by 22 hectares of historic parkland and 300 hectares of vineyards, Villa Baulieu enjoys uninterrupted views of the Alpilles and Montaigne Sainte-Victoire – the stunning landscapes that once inspired Paul Cézanne. Set amidst the ancient scenery that has inspired poets and painters alike for centuries, today Villa Baulieu offers exclusive privatisations for unforgettable family get togethers, a magical wedding or a bucolic wellness retreat.