“I believe that despite the spelling differences that you must be referring to Ansouis, a village of about 800 inhabitants including the de Sabran family who still live in the chateau at the top of the village.  They have been there since (something like) the thirteenth century. Most of the chateau is open for daily visits and I believe that Monsieur de Sabran is the present mayor of Ansouis. Our village, Lourmarin, is approximately eight kilometers from there.”

“The ‘department’ - an administrative area like a county - where we are is called ‘le Vaucluse’.  The 'Basses Alpes' no longer exist ... this term has been changed to ‘les Alpes de Hautes Provence'.  This area is where you will find Forcalquier and Digne. This is what is called Haute Provence.  

"A quick look in the phone book showed that there are indeed several 'Descalis' in Ansouis and Cucuron.  Both villages are only five miles or so from Lourmarin.”

Joe Deliso

“P.S:  You might like to contact the following firms of genealogists - both recommended by the local notary:”

“Cabinet Arriveau, in Cannes or Marseille: +334 9338 92 92 or +334 9154 79 99

Alain DURAND and Daniel BOURGUIGNON

14 rue du 9 mai 1945

75010 PARIS

Tel: +331 40 37 40 00”