St Paul Trois Chateaux
Lovely medieval town famed for its black truffles
St Paul Trois Chateaux is located to the north of Provence in the Drome region. It's renowned for the production of black truffles whose quality is strictly controlled.
History & Culture in [locality]
The ancient capital of the region (Tricastin, named after the original Gallic inhabitants), St Paul sadly has no châteaux - the name is more likely to have been derived from the old name for the city, St Paul en Tricastin. In Latin, tricastri translates as three castles and it seems this also lead to the towns coat of arms which features three towers and a crown.
The village is home to one of France's national monuments, the Cathedral Notre Dame et Saint Paul - a Romanesque structure from the 12th century. It's widely considered to be one of the most complete examples of Provençal Romanesque architecture, characterised by its simplicity, large volumes and perfectly paired building stones. The interior is noted for the carvings on the top floor of the nave.
The town lends itself to exploring, and a nice view can be obtained from the top of the hill. The tourist office offers multilingual audio guides of the main historical sites in St Paul, so you can learn about the Gallo-Roman remains, the medieval town with its Jewish quarter, and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. For more detailed information about St Paul's history, visit the Musée d'Archeologie.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
There is a good selection of shops for general shopping and for souvenirs.
To the west of St Paul Trois Châteaux you may want to visit the Caves of Saint Marcel d'Ardeche with its network of underground rivers and cathedral ceilings.
Sights in Provence
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Château Suze la Rousse
Originally a defensive fortress, this impressive château was built in the 12th century on a rocky outcrop overlooking the surrounding plains.
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Mathieu Lustrerie Museum, Gargas
This museum houses a collection of around 250 chandeliers and a large library and collection of photos dedicated to these wonderful pieces of art.
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Occitane Museum, Manosque
Guided tours of the facilities via the stages of fabrication and an walk through the history of the brand.
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Les Agnels Lavender Distillery
This family run lavender distillery situated on the scenic drive between Buoux and Apt, offers guided visits of the lavender distillation and manufacture of essential oils, floral waters.
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Museum d'Histoire Naturelle
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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Musee d'Allauch Symbols and Sacred, Allauch
The Musee d'Allauch welcomes you in the heart of the old village of Allauch. It is housed in the Hotel de Ville, now totally restored.
Events in [locality]
The weekly market is held on Tuesday mornings, and a farmers market is held on the first and third Sunday of every month.
Every Sunday from December to March, black truffles are on sale in La Place de l’Esplan.
There is a Maison de la Truffe in the town which is open throughout the year.
Other local produce includes olives and olive oil, wine, a special goats cheese called Picodon, summer fruits such peaches and apricots and lavender (there is a Lavender distillery open to the public in Nyons).
Events in Provence
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
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Arelate Festival
Relive the Roman days in Arles during the Arelate Festival, with daily shows that will transport you back into the days of gladiator battles and horse races.
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a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
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Anniversary of the liberation of Avignon
As part of the Commemoration of the liberation of Avignon, a day of festivities honouring this historical event takes place.
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Reves de Camargue Horse Show
Come and watch this memorable horse show with dancing horses and cowboys at the Mas des Jasses de la Ville/Manade Fernay.
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Markets in Provence
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Things to do in [locality]
For those looking to be a bit more active, there is a trail called the Chemin des Arts Tricastin which is a footpath that takes you through the towns of La Garde Adhemar, St Paul, St Restitut and Clansayes, that takes you past Romanesque chapels and contemporary art installations. There are many other day and half-day hiking routes in and around St Paul - ask at the tourist office for details.
There are four marked cycling circuits from the town each of around 20km, an ideal way to explore the countryside. St Paul is also a regular host to the Tour de France.
There are a couple of forest adventure parks in the vicinity - La Fôret des Jeux boasts over 40 games for both adults and children, and Acro Pole Aventure to the north-east offers Via Ferrata, nature trails and outdoor adventures.
Things To Do in Provence
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
30 August 20257 NightsIn the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €982
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Cloitre Saint-Louis Hotel
30 August 20257 NightsOriginally a 16th century Jesuit seminary, the Cloitre Saint Louis is set in a peaceful cloister within Avignon's old town.
Price: €1,044
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Le Mas de Peint Hotel
30 August 20257 NightsThis 17th-century home has been inhabited by several generations of the BON family, ranchers (“manadiers”) from one generation to the next.
Price: €3,640
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Domaine de Manville, Les Baux
Offering you a taste of the Provencal lifestyle, with linen sheets, sunrise over the drystone architecture, wildflowers overflowing from vases, the fragrance of fresh baked bread, creamy butter and golden honey, the true taste of fresh products raised on the estate.
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Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
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Baumaniere Hotel, Les Baux
30 August 20257 NightsThis charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.
Price: €7,143
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Villa for Sale
Stunning property ideally set in a private domain with views over the sea and the vineyards.
Price: €23,000,000
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Villa for Sale
Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.
Price: €756,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Price: €2,600,000
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Villa for Sale
Magnificent renovated farm house just a few minutes from Pampelonne beach and Saint-Tropez
Price: €5,985,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €8,395,000
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Villa for Sale
Elegant property located in a private estate, within walking distance of the village
Price: €5,900,000
























































