Le Barroux Village in the Vaucluse and Family Connections

Who doesn’t love a good family mystery?

My father Daniel Augsburger was born in Switzerland. His mother was French and at a young age, the family moved to the South of France. He came to the United States in 1939, just prior to World War II for college and to pursue graduate degrees at the University of Michigan.

Long story short, he never returned to live in France, met my mother Joyce at the University of Michigan and was offered an opportunity to teach, first at the University of Michigan then at Emmanuel Missionary College, now Andrews University in Berrien Spring, Michigan. I learned from cousins back in 2014 that our grandfather had owned a house in Le Barroux, France, near to our home in Sablet.

Continue reading here for the original article about how old Kodak slides and a CD connected this family history with Le Barroux in the Vaucluse. Enjoy Michel’s photos of this charming village.

Le Barroux Village

Perched on a limestone outcrop in the Vaucluse, Le Barroux sits midway between Carpentras and Vaison-le-Romaine. Le Barroux is well worth a visit. The town is striking with a 12th-century castle situated at the top of the hilltop. A panoramic view stretches from Le Barroux over the vineyards of the southern Rhône towards Mont Ventoux and the jagged peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

The Château du Barroux once belonged to the feudal lords of Les Baux de Provence, with ownership changing hands over the centuries. The French Revolution and WWII inflicted significant damage to the structure. Today, the castle is privately owned by the Vayson de Pradenne family. However, there are tours, a tea room and even a whisky distillery to visit inside the walls.

What to See?

Château du Barroux
La Garenne
Telehone: +33 (0)6 59 13 13 21

Saint Jean Baptiste Church
Classified as a historical monument, the church sits on Roman era foundations.

Abbey Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux
1201 Chem. des Rabassières
Construction began on a Romanesque monastery in 1978, following the vision of Benedictine monk, Dom Gérard Calvet.
Discover products (food, wine and books) made mainly by the monks at a small boutique on-site and online store.

Stay Nearby

Rent this beautiful stone house in the middle of Sablet, within walking distance of boulangerie, cafe, butcher, tabac (news store), grocery store, pharmacy and medical offices. Three (3) bedroom house with three (3) bathrooms which include showers and toilets. Large, well-furnished kitchen with a sitting area with wood burning fireplace, and adjoining terrace. Book your stay.

Michel and Shirley

Michel and Shirley, live in wine country, in Windsor, California. They have a full family with two beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. Michel's day job is as CEO of Chancellor Health Care, a company which provides housing and services to older adults.

Previously a co-owner of a popular French bistro called Bistro des Copains located in Western Sonoma County California. The Bistro was closed in early 2015, after nine years!

In 2008, after searching for years and visiting many houses they bought a 17th century stone village house in the medieval village of Sablet which is in the Vaucluse region of Provence France.

Please read about the Sablet House (available for rent) and follow their blog Our House in Provence.