Castle / Ruins Sights in Provence

The ruins of Fort de Buoux lie on top of hill at the head of the Apt valley. This defensive stronghold was used to protect the surrounding towns and land from Lourmarin to Silvergues and the ruins you see today date from the 13th century.

This castle was originally built at the request of pope John XII who was elected in 1316, with the castle starting to be built in 1317.

The Chateau d'Ansouis was originally a fortress back in the 12th century and become one of the grandest mansions in Provence during the Renaissance.

Sisteron's citadel wouldn't look out of place in an episode of Game of Thrones, with its imposing high walls, fortifications and impressive location looking down over the town below.

This is one of the best castles we have ever visited, and not just in France! Situated on a rocky outcrop, this fantastic medieval castle has a strong military background, where it was used in the defence of the realm of Provence.

Just outside the village of Gordes lies the archaeological remains of a Bronze age village. The Village des Bories dates back to around 2000BC. You can still see ancient sheep pens, stone beehive houses (bories) and bread ovens.

A wonderful castle to explore in the heart of the Vaucluse department, offering wonderful views over the surrounding areas.

This castle houses the town hall of Gordes and a museum containing works by the painter Pol Mara, a Flemish artist who lived in Gordes.

To get to this citadel which overlooks the pretty Medieval village of Entrevaux entails a pretty steep walk up 156m vertical over 800 metres of paved road.

Built on the heights, the Chateau Lacoste has a dominant position over the Luberon. The breathtaking view enjoyed from the castle shows this village situation at the heart of the Luberon

Sadly, this castle is not open to the public but there is enough of it on view to get a good feel of what it must have looked like when it was in use.

The 14th century Fort St Andre was built by order of the King of France, Philippe le Bel as a mean to keep an eye on the papal city of Avignon. Perched on a hill, this impressive structure contains the ruins of the Abbaye St Andre.

This is an impressive 18th century mansion with beautiful gardens that allows visitors a chance to explore elegant rooms decorated in the style of the time. Th gardens contain ponds with swans and ducks, peacocks, lavender fields and terraces. The chateau also produces its own honey courtesy of 25 bee hives.

This austere castle has a rich Provencal history but it is perhaps best well known for being the burial ground of Pablo Picasso. He bought the chateau in 1958 when he found out that the area had been much loved by Paul Cezanne. He stayed there between 1959 and 1961 and the castle still holds some of his personal belongings.

This fortress dominates the town of Mornas below, rising up from the 137 metre tall cliffs. 

The 17th century castle was first restored by Scottish artist Ian McGarvie-Munn in the 1970's. It's current owner, Alain Gayral has redecorated the castle with genuine antique furniture, paintings and tapestries.

This is a rock cut settlement above the present day village of La Garde, which was where the original inhabitants lived.

This castle was first built in 1550 by Baron Jean-Louis-Nicolas de Bouliers and parts of its huge walls and intricately carved stonework still survives to this day.