Châteaurenard
Medieval Provence
Châteaurenard is a charming commune located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. It is known for its medieval castle, which overlooks the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Châteaurenard is also famous for its vibrant Provençal markets, where you can sample high-quality local products. The town has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with monuments and sites of interest to explore.
To discover
in Châteaurenard
5 Reasons to Visit Châteaurenard
To visit its castle
commonly known as the "Fortress of the Counts of Provence."
To admire the Saint Denys Church
a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
To explore the Museum of Agricultural Tools and Traditions
a true time machine that takes you back to discover the clothing and tools of the past.
To see the resplendent statue
known as the Golden Virgin.
To experience the bullfighting arenas
dating back to 1880.
Vacationing in Châteaurenard
Châteaurenard is a charming town in France, known for its historical heritage and quality of life.
Summer Holidays
At the top of Griffon Hill are the remnants of a castle, commonly referred to as the “Fortress of the Counts of Provence” but sometimes simply called the “Medieval Castle of Châteaurenard.” Its founder, the first lord of the village, gave it its name. Lord Reynard (or sometimes Reynardus) built a wooden castle in the 10th century. Two centuries later, the lord of Provence sent one of his mistresses, Jordane, to ensure that the castle became impregnable. Under her orders, the wooden castle was replaced with stone, four towers were constructed, and thick walls were erected around it. Despite its martial presence, Jordane also found time to bring a touch of delicacy to the castle, in the form of troubadours who would often come to sing songs and write poetry. One of these poems is still visible today, engraved on one of the castle’s stones.
On the same hill stands the proud statue of the Golden Virgin. Erected on the site of a former calvary, the statue was commissioned from Lyon in 1867 and placed there during the winter of the same year. Weighing 1860 kg, it took the combined efforts of many strong men and several horses to bring the cart to the top of the hill, where the statue was then hoisted onto its pedestal. An engraving is still visible today: “Posueront me Custodem” (They have made me their Guardian). A second, later engraving marks the year the statue was officially named: “Golden Virgin 1923.”
Your Holiday Home in Châteaurenard
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On a rainy day, why not visit the Four Banal? This structure, fully repaired and made functional in 2007, is a relic from the time when the local lord required his subjects to pay him to bake their own bread. Most of the residents of Châteaurenard were too poor to build their own oven, and those who could afford it were prevented by law. Therefore, villagers had to go to the Four Banal to bake their bread, paying by leaving the equivalent of 20% of the baked bread. This tax disappeared with the French Revolution, but the communal oven remained in use for many years after.
Golf Courses Nearby
Places to Visit in Châteaurenard
Family Holidays
Do you want to show your children what the world looked like before smartphones, video games, and the internet? Then take them to the 1950s House! Everything has been gathered to make you feel like you’ve stepped back more than half a century: clothes, furniture, utensils… and much more! With this visit, they should finally understand “how easy they’ve had it!”
Romantic Getaway
You can try taking a walk to the Moulin de la Roque with your loved one. This hydraulic mill was once used to make flour until a new technology made millstones less popular. It was ravaged by a fire in 1939 but was purchased and fully repaired the following year. As flour was not profitable enough, the new owner used it to produce various powders, especially useful during wartime. The mill was officially closed in 1958. Today, it can be visited after a short walk along the Chemin Entre Deux Eaux, a pedestrian area near the town center. As its name suggests, the walk will take you between two canals, providing a refreshing breeze when the heat becomes too intense.
De nos jours, il peut être visité après une petite promenade dans le Chemin Entre Deux Eaux, une zone piétonne aménagée non loin du centre ville. Comme son nom l’indique, la promenade vous mènera entre deux canaux, ce qui vous permettra de profiter d’une brise rafraîchissante lorsque la chaleur devient trop forte.
Vacation with Your Dog
Located at the foot of the castle, the Parc des Tours is a green space where your companion can roam freely. Grass, trees, water points… This park has it all!
Getting to Châteaurenard
The main road that runs through the village is the D32.
To visit Provence, the airports in Marseille, Montpellier, and Nice are the most recommended.
The nearest TGV station is Avignon TGV.
Several bike paths are available in the region, including the downhill slope from the castle hill (reserved for thrill-seekers).
Nearby Towns to Châteaurenard
- Noves: Approximately 4 kilometers.
- Rognonas: Approximately 4 kilometers.
- Eyragues: Approximately 5 kilometers.
- Verquières: Approximately 7 kilometers.
- Graveson: Approximately 7 kilometers.
Time in Provence has selected the best restaurants in the region for you.