Religious heritage and castles

Discover the rich religious heritage and castles of the Alpes de Haute Provence in all seasons. Its castles, such as that of Sauvan, "little trianon of Provence," its priories such as that of Ganagobie, still inhabited by a community of monks, and its numerous cathedrals, such as those of Senez. As you explore its history and its treasures built by men, let yourself be charmed by the grandiose landscapes which are magnificent settings.

From heritage to inheritance

Romanity and Christianity

The Roman era marked a new stage in the organization of society, rich in innovations, particularly in the fields of agriculture and urban planning. The ancient city of Riez has preserved the vestiges of this brilliant civilization. They are also present in the thermal baths of Gréoux-les-Bains or in Digne-les-Bains. Then Europe entered the Christian era according to a social and political organization that would develop until the Middle Ages. Religious heritage, churches, chapels, cathedrals are numerous testimonies to this. The Priories of Ganagobie, Salagon, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-du-Bourg in Digne-les-Bains, the Villages and Cities of Character trace the evolution of this society, giving pride of place to Roman and Renaissance art.
Joël-Bernard Aubert's website lists the churches and chapels of the Alpes de Haute Provence.

Castles and fortified castles

Castles are large residences of a lord or king, most often surrounded by gardens and outbuildings. Fortified feudal dwellings defended by a moat, high walls, and towers. A fortified castle is a fortified residence in which, in the Middle Ages, a lord, his family, and their servants lived.
Europe built its first castles in the 9th and 10th centuries. They could be as simple as a tower or resemble a fortified town. In fact, towns were often built around castles because they offered residents protection in times of war.

AD04-Thibaut Vergoz

Heritage to visit

• Sauvan Castle, an 18th-century masterpiece. Nicknamed the "Little Trianon of Provence," it embodies the elegance of classical style.
• Castle of Germany-in-Provence, a half-feudal, half-Renaissance building. Listed as a historic monument, it stands out for its unique architecture and its park.
• Le Château-Arnoux Castle in the Durance Valley, a 16th-century gem. Admire its majestic spiral staircase and stroll through its lush park.
• Le Templar Castle, built in the 12th century, overlooks the village of Gréoux-les-Bains. An exceptional panorama awaits you.
• Citadel of Forcalquier, built on the remains of the castle of the Counts of Forcalquier. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Luberon and the Lure mountain.
• The Rotunda of Simiane and its medieval castle, masterpieces of Romanesque architecture, majestically overlook the village.
• Priory of Ganagobie, with its beautiful Romanesque architecture, houses magnificent mosaics from the Middle Ages.
• Carluc Priory in Reillanne, houses a 12th century rock necropolis and the remains of churches in a green and wooded setting.
• The most beautiful cathedrals, Digne-les-Bains Cathedral, Sisteron Cathedral, Senez Cathedral, Entrevaux Cathedral, Forcalquier Cathedral.
• Mexican villas, luxurious and in art nouveau style, bear witness to the success of the inhabitants of the Ubaye Valley who made their fortune in Mexico in the 19th century.