Medieval Castle of Simiane and its Rotunda
Historic site and monument
MoreSimiane-la-Rotonde
Hilltop village between lavender and medieval history
Perched on its rocky outcrop, Simiane-la-Rotonde blends medieval charm with the scents of Provence. Dominated by its imposing Rotunda, this listed village invites you to stroll through its narrow streets, explore its exceptional heritage, and enjoy its lavender landscapes. A journey through time and the senses.
Simiane-la-Rotonde
Of the Agoult castle, there remains its keep (12th century): the rotunda, the castle courtyard redesigned into an aromatic plant garden and the medieval south wing on the ground floor and Renaissance on the upper floor.
The Rotunda hosts temporary exhibitions and concerts from the early music festival, a history and archaeology room and an aromatherapy laboratory.
Upper Simiane presents an urban morphology with tall, beautifully built houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. They form a continuous rampart overlooking the plain and opening on the opposite side onto cobbled streets through doors and windows with sculpted lintels.
The covered market halls and stalls are a reminder of the town's past activity. This quality architecture illustrates the prosperity ensured for four centuries by numerous glassworks.
International Early Music Festival
Created in 1982, the festival Les Riches Heures musicales de la Rotonde remains an exceptional event on the musical roads of Haute-Provence. Every year in August, it offers an original and quality program that takes place in the exceptional site of the Rotonde, between architectural beauty and ideal acoustics.
Access and location
Get to Simiane-la-Rotonde
The village is close to Vaucluse, at the junction of the countries of Sault, Forcalquier and Apt.
By car
Coming from Vaucluse via Apt, leave the A6 motorway at Avignon Sud and head towards Apt.
From Marseille, Aix or Sisteron via the A51 motorway, leave the motorway at La Brillanne (direction Forcalquier, then Banon).
By train or bus
The nearest train station is located in Manosque, a 50-minute drive away, served by regional trains. For travelers coming from further afield, there are TGV stations in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon. Marseille Provence Airport, located 100 km away, allows you to reach Simiane in just over 1 hours by car.
From the train station or the airport, it is advisable to rent a vehicle to reach the village.
What to do in Simiane-la-Rotonde?
The village has preserved its authenticity while opening up to tourism. Artists' studios, restaurants, and markets enliven its narrow streets. Just 4 km away, the Abbey of Valsaintes reveals a splendid garden where thousands of roses and countless aromatic plants bloom. This site, unique in Provence, combines history and botany for the greatest pleasure of visitors.
Hiking idea
This beautiful 2-hour family hike starts from the gardens of Valsaintes Abbey. You'll discover the Saut du Moine waterfall, its pools and waterfalls, and other remarkable sites in Simiane-la-Rotonde.
When to come to Simiane-la-Rotonde?
Enjoy events and guided tours throughout the year. Here are some highlights:
- Spring : Votive Festival of Sainte-Victoire, first weekend of May, Abbey in roses in the gardens of the Abbey of Valsaintes (May and June) and the Saint-Jean Fires,
- Summer : Exhibitions at the castle and in the village workshops, aromatherapy courses at the castle, visits and courses at the Abbey of Valsaintes. International Festival of Early Music, The Rich Musical Hours of the Rotonde in August.
- Autumn : Exhibitions at the castle, aromatherapy courses at the castle, visits and courses at the Abbey of Valsaintes.
Villages and towns of character
15 of our villages have received the label "Villages and Cities of Character"Each one, with its unique heritage, invites you to a discovery full of charm and history.
Answers to your questions
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