The Panorama of the castle

The remains of the medieval castle stand above the village. The viewpoint offers a beautiful panorama and a glimpse into the geological history of the Durance Valley.

The earliest mention of the castle dates back to 1068, but its existence certainly predates it. A true feudal fortress, it was almost entirely destroyed during the Revolution. Only its keep continues to defy time.
The site allows you to observe the Durance Valley: the furrow dug by the river, the terraces created during glacial episodes, the groupings of habitats and human activities. Downstream from Château-Arnoux, the course of the river, almost straight, is guided by the Middle Durance fault which crosses the thickness of the sedimentary rocks for several kilometers. Formed 300 million years ago, this fault separates Haute-Provence into two blocks which have constantly risen and fallen relative to each other. The landscapes are very contrasting on both sides: Valensole plateau to the east, mountains and hills to the west.