Castle / Ruins Sights in Provence

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

It was the first Renaissance château to be built in Provence, although a fortress has stood on this ground since the 12th century.

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 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 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.

The 15th century castle was built as a defence stronghold due to its position at the end of the River Rhone.

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.

This impressive tower was built in the early 13th century and served to defend the bridges over the Rhone in Villeneuve les Avignon.

This famous bridge was first built to link the old town of Avignon to land across the wide River Rhone in Villeneuve Les Avignons. The original bridge ('pont') was built in the 12th century and stretched for around 900m and contained 22 arches.

This lovely medieval castle has its origins as far back as the 11th century when the original fortress was built. It was transformed into a luxurious residence during the Renaissance before being somewhat deconstructed in the Revolution.

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.