The 10 most beautiful castles in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
10 châteaux
Chosen among 349 recorded castles
What to see in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur when you only have a weekend: the 10 most visited castles according to their visitors’ reviews, among those open to the public whose visiting conditions we checked on the official website. For each: what you see, the entry price, the link to the full entry.
Ranked by attendance, from the number of Google reviews. “Beautiful” is your word; what we measure is what visitors choose.
No. 1
Palais des Papes
Avignon
The Palace of the Popes rises above the Rocher des Doms in Avignon and forms the largest Gothic complex built during the Middle Ages.
Adult €16Hours, prices and access
No. 2
Château des Baux (Baux Castle)
Les Baux-de-Provence
Perched on a rocky spur above Les Baux-de-Provence, this ruined hilltop fortress has overlooked the valley since the 11th century. Once the stronghold of the powerful lords of Baux, it endured the medieval wars of Provence before falling into disrepair.
No. 3
Château du Rayol (Rayol Castle)
Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer
On the corniche des Maures, facing the Îles d'Hyères, the Domaine du Rayol is a landscaped garden spanning several hectares devoted to the world's Mediterranean-type climates.
No. 4
Château de Lourmarin (Lourmarin Castle)
Lourmarin
The château de Lourmarin has overlooked the village since the late 15th century, standing at the crossing point between medieval architecture and early Renaissance influences. Restored in the early 20th century, it now houses a cultural foundation that organises artistic events on site.
Adult €8Hours, prices and access
No. 5
Palais du Pharo
Marseille 7e Arrondissement
The Pharo palace overlooks the entrance to Marseille's Old Port, built on a headland given to Napoleon III for a residence intended for Empress Eugénie. Begun in 1858, the building was never actually lived in by the imperial couple and later served as a hospital before becoming a municipal reception venue.
No. 6
Château de Grimaud (Grimaud Castle)
Grimaud
Above the village of Grimaud, in the Var department, the remains of a medieval stronghold overlook the town and the bay of Saint-Tropez. What survives today is only a ruin, but it dates back to at least the 11th century.
Free entryHours, prices and access
No. 7
Palais de la Méditerranée
Nice
On the Promenade des Anglais, the Art Deco facade of the Palais de la Méditerranée is the sole survivor of the original casino, rescued from demolition at the last moment.
No. 8
Bastide la Torse dite aussi château de la Torse
Aix-en-Provence
Along the road to Le Tholonet, on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, the Torse bastide shows the understated elegance typical of 18th-century country houses in Provence.
No. 9
Roquebrune castle
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Standing at the heart of the village of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, this medieval castle is also known as the Grimaldi castle. It dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was built to defend the area against Saracen raids.
Adult €5Hours, prices and access
No. 10
Château d'Hyères
Hyères
Perched on the Castéou hill, the ruins of Hyères castle overlook the town and the surrounding bay. This medieval fortress, now in ruins, dates back to the 11th century and reflects the old defensive network along the Var coastline. The climb rewards visitors with an open view over Hyères and its hinterland.
Every castle in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (349)
Frequently asked questions
- What is the most beautiful castle in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur?
- The most visited in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is Palais des Papes, first in this selection according to its visitors’ reviews. All 10 castles listed are open to visitors with checked hours.
- How much does a visit cost?
- The adult entry price is shown under each castle when the official website publishes it; 1 of these castles are free.
- How is this selection made?
- Among the 349 castles recorded in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, we keep those open to the public with a photo, then rank by number of Google reviews. No castle pays to appear.