The Château de Château-Arnoux houses the services of the Town Hall, only the spiral staircase, classified as a Historic Monument, can be visited on request, by contacting the reception of the town hall during opening hours.
Description
Château-Arnoux Castle is one of the architectural gems of the Haute-Provence Geopark. Its listed staircase is remarkable for its statuary, unique in the south of France.
Built between 1510 and 1515, the building is still medieval with its massive base, its crossbow arrow slits and its gun ports. On the other hand, its glazed roof, its mullioned and shell windows and the statuary of its staircase are of Renaissance inspiration. To the four initial towers (2 round and 2 square), a fifth, hexagonal, was added projecting against the facade to build the staircase. This one, composed of 84 steps of a single stone, is decorated with sculptures representing mythological and historical figures. Inside, the Great Hall, where the municipal council meets today, is remarkable with its French ceiling and its plasterwork.
The park, listed as a "natural site and monument," has been transformed into an arboretum. Oak trees as old as the castle and rare species planted in the 18th century give it a truly unique look.
Rates / opening
Prices
Free access.
Opening
Open all year round.