Citadel and Powder Magazine Museum

Entrevaux Citadel – A Vauban masterpiece perched above the Var

Overlooking the medieval town of Entrevaux, the fort impresses as much for its spectacular location as for its strategic history. Built on a narrow rocky spur, surrounded by a loop of the Var River and surrounded by olive groves, this remarkable site seems straight out of an adventure novel.

Commissioned by Vauban in the late 17th century to protect the border of the Kingdom of France, the fort was designed to be impregnable. And it was: never conquered, never fallen. Even today, its steep access is a testament to this defensive ambition.

To get there, you have to take an 800-meter path, divided into 9 successive ramps and overcome 156 meters of altitude difference from the heart of the village. A climb of approximately 20 to 30 minutes, punctuated by superb views of the Var valley and the rooftops of Entrevaux.

An immersion in the military life of yesteryear

Once inside the enclosure, you are immersed in the harsh and austere world of the garrisons of yesteryear. You will discover:

The powder magazine, the undergrounds and the dungeons,

The keep, the patrol paths and the old barracks buildings,

And even contemporary cells, vestiges of prolonged prison use in the 20th century.

At every turn, the stones tell a story: that of soldiers on guard, forgotten prisoners, and a fortress that never fell. All this in a striking atmosphere, accentuated by spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
A site not to be missed

The Entrevaux Citadel is much more than a military monument: it is a living place of memory and contemplation, where the architectural genius of Vauban meets the raw beauty of the Alpes de Haute-Provence. A must-see for history buffs, heritage lovers, and anyone in search of strong emotions.