Le Barroux

Le Barroux is a very pretty Provençal village at the foot of Mont Ventoux, perched on a promontory above the narrow valley between the foothills of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail.

The photogenic Château du Barroux stands on the ridge dominating the plain of Comtat, it controls the road up to Malaucene in narrow gorges below. Medieval in origin, the castle was overhauled in the Renaissance (1539-1544), its appearance perfectly illustrates the castles built during this period of transition, with both residential and military functions.

Newly built, the castle soon experienced the dark episodes of the Wars of Religion, a group of Protestant soldiers seized it by force, it was retaken by the Catholic troops shortly after. Badly damaged at the beginning of the 20th century, the castle was restored before the 2nd World War. In 1944, a violent clash occurred between the Resistance and retreating German troops. In retaliation, the Germans burned the castle and plundered the village.

Beautifully restored after the war, the castle and village offer a very pleasant stroll through its picturesque streets. Views over the plain towards Carpentras, the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux are very nice.

On a hill near Le Barroux, Dom Gérard Calvet and Benedictine monks acquired land in 1978 for the future abbey, Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux, and built a Romanesque church that emerges above the forest . The building is spectacular and demonstrates the vitality of the community of monks.

A walk on the paths of the town among vineyards leads you to the remains of a curious 19th century aqueduct of which a circular arch remains.

Accommodation and practical information

Bed and breakfast near Le Barroux and the Mont Ventoux

Village website: www.lebarroux.fr

Castle of le Barroux : www.chateaudubarroux.fr

Coming to Le Barroux

GPS coordinates 44°08'16'' N - 5°06'01'' E

Location : 350 metres above sea level, 650 inhabitants, 3 miles from La Roque Alric, 4 miles from Malaucène, 6 miles from Beaumes-de-Venise, 8 miles from Bédoin, 8 miles from Carpentras, 10 miles from Vaison-la-Romaine, 22 miles from Avignon.