Five mysteries at the Château de Sade Saumane

Discover with us, 5 enigmatic facts about the Castle of Sade Saumane.

The Whispering Room

Let's move forward into the north-west room of the castle, the one we call: the whispering room.
This room with its dome-shaped architecture will surprise you with its incredible acoustics that leave you in doubt. If some time ago, it was assumed that it was used to house cannons, its echo suggests the opposite.
Impossible to open fire without losing an eardrum. In addition, the smoke caused by the cannons would end up asphyxiating you!
So what could this piece be used for?
Have fun doing the experience for two, position yourself at each end of the room and whisper a sentence, you will be surprised to hear your interlocutor clearly as if speaking out loud.

Photo credit: Jean-Louis MILLIAT Artwork by Morgan BALOCCO - Galerie DNR

The banisters of the stairs

Now let's take the staircase that allows us to access the upper gallery.
This double-flight staircase built between the 16th and 17th centuries seems symmetrical, and yet! Did you notice anything in particular? On one side, steps of unequal size, on the other, a ramp that extends to the first floor.
Surprising isn't it? Would this part have been used to transport guns or heavy loads more easily? This is unlikely, given the mysterious first steps that make up this climb.
Despite some assumptions, it seems that the staircase is simply unfinished, the mystery remains unsolved...

The dungeons

In the year 1745, a counterfeit currency factory was built in the Castle Prison. A total of 53 fake louis d'or were minted.
Did dark dungeons, deep cellars, and underground galleries inspire Donatien Marquis de Sade for his literary works? In any case, it is very likely that they marked the writer's imagination.

The secret door

Now let's continue to the passage between the antechamber and the large living room on the first floor.
Take a good look below. On the left, we seem to see a mysterious lock in the library... Could it be a back door?
In fact, it was here, in this narrow room, that the valet's quarters were located, in order to always be at the disposal of his master. In other words, you should not suffer from claustrophobia!

Defensive architecture

If the Château de Sade Saumane impresses with its imposing architecture and its defensive aspect, several elements suggest that it is only a decoy.
Let's focus on the thickness of the walls in the small calade. Impressive certainly, but impractical to make way for a cannon or a shooter who would have difficulty reaching the attackers located below.

We are now moving to the top of the central staircase. Admire this magnificent opening on the north facade. Does it seem wise to expose so much of the interior of the Castle when you know that the northern outcrop was the most likely point to be attacked?

Photo credit: Jean-Louis MILLIAT

Practical info

From Wednesday to Saturday, we will take you to discover the Château de Sade Saumane and its secrets. Take part in our guided tours now!