Castles and fortresses of Provence
Five silhouettes in stone, from the Rhône to hilltop villages
A castle transforms the silhouette of a town or village. Beside the Rhône, on a cliff or at the top of a hill, it offers a starting point for a walk and a way of reading the landscape.
These five stops explore different forms of architecture, from ramparts to château façades. Photographs from the Horizon Provence archives alternate broad views with details of each place.
1. Tarascon: walls beside the Rhône
In Tarascon, the high walls of the castle form a massive presence beside the Rhône. As you approach, the eye moves from the monument’s silhouette to the texture of its stone.
The report combines the discovery of the castle with the town itself, placing the monument among its streets and surrounding landscapes.
2. Mornas: a fortress on the cliff
In Mornas, the cliff and the fortress seem to form a single whole. The view from the village conveys the height of the site before drawing attention to its ramparts and towers.
The report brings this striking silhouette together with views of the village. Here, stone connects the landform and the buildings.
3. Le Barroux: the château above the houses
The château of Le Barroux stands above the houses and trees. Its silhouette accompanies the discovery of the village at the foot of Mont Ventoux.
The report offers several views of the château before continuing through the streets. The monument’s shapes are set against the more modest details of the façades.
4. Les Baux-de-Provence: stone among the Alpilles
In Les Baux-de-Provence, the rock, the remains of the castle and the houses echo one another in a landscape of pale stone. The landform gives the broad views their strength.
The photographic walk then follows the streets and details of the village, showing the castle in its surroundings rather than as an isolated monument.
5. Grignan: a village crowned by its château
In Grignan, the houses rise beneath the château. The monument’s façades and terraces give the village silhouette a character distinct from the earlier fortresses.
The report continues through the streets and views of the château. This final stop brings architecture and village life together.