Château de Montauban
Former residence of the Ambroy family in Fontvieille, now a local history museum with medieval archaeological objects and the Alphonse Daudet collection.
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About the museum
Château de Montauban is a former residence consisting of a monumental 19th-century façade attached to an 18th-century mas (traditional Provençal farmhouse). It belonged to the Ambroy family, cousins of the writer Alphonse Daudet, who stayed there regularly from 1863. Over three centuries the building was a middle-class house, a source of inspiration for artists, a place where convalescent soldiers were cared for during the First World War, and then a home for children of prisoners of war.
The château is today a museum devoted to the history of the village. It is owned by the commune of Fontvieille and holds the “Musée de France” label. A permanent exhibition, “Fontvieille, détour par le Moyen Âge”, presents around 350 archaeological objects found in the region, organised around three themes: power, the economy and everyday life, and beliefs. It was produced with the CNRS (laboratory LA3M).
The restored first floor houses the Daudet collection: period furniture, manuscripts, paintings, photographs, press cuttings and the writer’s desk. A statue of Saint Symphorian from the 18th century, restored and returned in 2025, is also on display. The new Musée Daudet is not yet open; the commune announces it for the coming years. In the meantime, temporary exhibitions complement the visit.
Highlights
- Exhibition “Fontvieille, détour par le Moyen Âge”: around 350 archaeological objects
- Alphonse Daudet collection: manuscripts, paintings, photographs and the writer’s desk
- Restored first floor with period furniture
- Restored 18th-century statue of Saint Symphorian
- Château park with picnic area
Permanent exhibitions
- Fontvieille, détour par le Moyen Âge – Around 350 archaeological objects found in Fontvieille and the surrounding area, presented under three themes: power, the economy and everyday life, and beliefs.
- Collection Alphonse Daudet – A restored first floor with period furniture, manuscripts, paintings, photographs, press cuttings and the writer’s desk.
- Operated by
- Commune de Fontvieille
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.50Under 18s, students, teachers, groups, and holders of a full-price ticket from Glanum, Montmajour or the Vélorail des Alpilles |
| Children & teens | €3.50free up to age 5 · Free for children under 6; reduced rate up to age 17. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €3.50 |
| Groups | €3.50 per personReduced rate for groups. |
Free admission for residents of Fontvieille, job seekers, RSA beneficiaries and museum professionals (ICOM card, Carte culture, Archéo Ambassadeurs network).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The monument is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. According to the regional tourism portal, the lift measures 80 x 130 cm and the doors are at least 77 cm wide.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Treasure-hunt visits, visits with workshops and simple educational workshops for children.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking for cars, minibuses and motorhomes in the château park. Two coach spaces in front of the tourist office, about 600 m from the château via the village. On market days (Monday and Friday), parking in front of the tourist office is difficult. The paid Moulins car park is about 700 m away, uphill.
The château is on chemin de Montauban, in Fontvieille.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Picnicking is allowed in the château park. In bad weather, the covered markets in the village centre are an alternative.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided visits, guided tours, treasure-hunt visits (visites en jeu de piste), visits with workshops and simple educational workshops. Groups are welcome year-round by reservation. Animals are not allowed (according to the regional tourism portal). |
