Ad04 008079 BdBuilt around the 12th century on the border between the Alpes de Haute Provence and the Alpes Maritimes, Entrevaux has preserved a rich heritage. With a touch of imagination, you can let yourself be transported into the reveries of Entrevaux’s medieval past. The town boasts a stunning citadel overlooking a fortified village. It was Vauban who built this imposing stronghold on a rocky spur 156m above the village during the reign of Louis XIV. Until 1860, it marked the border between France and Italy. Enter the old village via the drawbridge to the Porte Royale, flanked by two round towers and topped by a machicolated bretèche. Once inside, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of narrow, winding streets.
As you walk along, you’ll inevitably be drawn to the Gothic-style Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, harmoniously integrated into the town’s fortifications. But you’ll also be drawn to the clock tower, topped by its Provencal wrought-iron campanile and its 1572 sundial, a reminder of the dimension of time that shapes our lives. The atmosphere that emanates from these places invites you to stroll along the medieval stalls, past the old communal bread oven, rekindled especially for the Bread Festival in May or during the European Heritage Days. And let’s not forget the charming little squares, ancient fountains, picturesque balconies, ancient doors and fountains.
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Ad04 006309 1For a captivating experience, take a tour of the citadel and visit the chemin de ronde and its ancient vaulted galleries behind the fortifications. Enter through the mythical Porte d’Italie and its two protective turrets. Don’t forget to bring good shoes, as it’s a steep climb! It takes around 30 minutes to walk up the 150m cobbled path to the entrance.
Before starting your ascent, take time to explore theformer powder magazine, now a museum retracing Entrevaux’s military history. It’s fascinating to consider that at one time, this place housed up to 9 tons of gunpowder, highlighting the great danger of this substance.
As you climb the 9 ramps that guide you up to the citadel, contemplate the view that gradually unfolds over the Var valley and the rooftops of the village below, the olive groves and the surrounding mountains. On arrival, you’ll first encounter the dungeons built during the First World War, before discovering the château. The interior, preserved in its original state, offers you the chance to explore the underground passages, the detention cells, the chapel and the former powder magazine. Your visit, lulled by the movements of the train, represents a privileged moment to let all these marvellous discoveries emerge. It’s impressive to think that a garrison lived here, isolated and far from everything.
To round off your visit to the Entrevaux citadel and its former center, how about a lunch break on the terrace, where you can taste specialties such as apple juice from the Entrevaux orchards and regain your strength? But the visit doesn’t stop there! The village is classified as a ” Villages et Cités de Caractère ” and has many other treasures to discover!
Practical information: Allow around 30 minutes’ walk and a 150-meter ascent. Entrance fee: 3 euros (automatic gate at the start of the path). Open all year round. Not recommended for people with walking difficulties.
Go to the localtourist office to pick up a map of the medieval town and its fortress, outlining the itinerary for your visit, including the main monuments to see. Once you’re in Entrevaux, you have two choices: follow the tourist office map to visit all the town’s sites in a methodical way, or wander through the narrow streets at random, taking out the map when you want to find out more and let yourself be carried away by history.
Embark on the Citadelle and olive groves hike at Entrevaux, a walk that takes you closer to the history of an exceptional fortified site that includes ramparts, barracks and drawbridges. Access to the citadel, designed by Vauban, is via a paved path offering a panoramic view of the medieval village. Bonus: once you’ve wandered through Entrevaux’s narrow streets and explored its citadel, the return journey through the forest and olive groves rewards you with magnificent panoramic views over the valley and village.
Duration: 2 h – Distance: 2.2 km Vertical rise: 178 m – Marking: yellow
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Ad04 006296If you appreciate art and are curious about the crafts of our Verdon villages, in recent years several art galleries have set up shop in the ancient medieval town, including the modern art gallery L’Atelier Marijke and Galerie Miege. Contemporary art merges harmoniously with heritage, creating a scattered open-air museum. Paintings, drawings, pottery, sculptures and jewelry come to life at the foot of the ramparts. The streets, from Rue du Marché to Place du Planet, are adorned with watercolours, olive wood jewelry and semi-precious stones, inviting you on an artistic stroll rich in discovery.
During your visit to Entrevaux, it’s highly likely that you’ll be invited to sample a local specialty: La Socca, a delicate patty made from chickpea flour, mixed with water and olive oil, then baked in a pizza oven. Sprinkled with a pinch of pepper, you won’t be able to resist this crunchy yet soft dough, which you can enjoy piping hot (and with your hands!) as soon as it comes out of the oven.
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Ad04 006304 1Another Entrevaux specialty that’s just a letter away is Secca de boeuf. A dried and salted beef reminiscent of the famous Grison meat, it can be eaten in a variety of ways. Enjoy it raw, seasoned with olive oil, sprinkled with warm Parmesan cheese, Savoyard style… Or thinly sliced and served with a tomato mozzarella or melon salad for a touch of freshness. Many local restaurants, each with their own recipes, will be happy to serve it to you. You can also buy it in grocery stores in the heart of the village, such as “Les Délices de Nini” on Place Charles Panier. They sell for around €10 per 200 grams.
At Rigault & Cie, as well as being a butcher-cum-caterer, you’ll discover a variety of delicacies made with Annot chestnuts. What’s more, Rigault & Cie has proudly taken on the Entrevaux specialty, Secca, a beef jerky now produced and offered in Annot.
Entrevaux is in Provence, so you’ll find many other specialties, such as honey, olive oil, Haut Var truffles and gingerbread. If you’re a gingerbread lover, come and visit La Pain d’Epicerie, THE must-see store in the village. It’s in her workshop that Héléna lovingly concocts her gourmet delights. Her specialty: gingerbread! In addition to homemade gingerbread, artisan herbal teas, perfumed salts and olive oils, this craftswoman’s kindness shines through. You’ll also find a variety of regional products, from lavender honey to olive planks. As an added bonus, Helena will share with you valuable health tips to enhance your experience. It’s up to you to reason with yourself so you don’t raid the whole place!
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Pommes Patrick Mantrand EntrevauxFill up on vitamins with Patrick Mantran’s handcrafted fruit juices. President of the Maison des Produits du Haut-Verdon, he distinguishes himself by making fruit juices from his own crops. His commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every sip, offering Entrevaux’s signature local fruit juices.
In Provence, the olive tree is a veritable emblem, and in Entrevaux, it reigns supreme over the Var valley. You can visit the local oil mill, which comes back to life in February to press olives. The variety produced is the aglandau, which gives a fruity, fragrant and unctuous green oil. The mill can be visited all year round, although it is only in operation during the pressing period in February.
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Ad04 008206 BdIf you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, meet Franck Luciani and his Musée de la Moto ancienne. This small museum houses a collection of 100 motorcycles in excellent working order on two floors, from floor to ceiling. Some of them are rare vintage models that have undergone complete restoration. The bikes are carefully displayed on their stands or hung on the wall, like real works of art. You’ll notice that Coluche’s photo has its place between the old retro posters.
Good to know: Open daily from early July to late September. And weekends from April to June.
For history buffs, head to the Musée de la Poudrière, located in the old powder magazine down the calade, for a fascinating insight into the town’s military history. You’ll find exhibits and artifacts relating to artillery, gunpowder manufacture, and the history of the citadel and the region. It’s an interesting place to learn more about Entrevaux’s fortified past and the military events that took place there.
You can easily get to Entrevaux by car, but do you know another way to get there? Have you ever heard of the famous steam Train des Pignes? This historic train travels the Chemins de fer de Provence route, for a retro travel experience aboard century-old wagons, pulled by an authentic steam locomotive. It takes you through the picturesque landscapes of the hinterland of Nice and the Alpes de Haute-Provence, taking you back to the simple pleasures of old-time travel for a successful immersion in the history of our region.
From Puget-Théniers, the steam train runs toAnnot station, which we also recommend you visit. It’s a unique way to discover Entrevaux, its medieval town and fortified citadel, whether you’re travelling from Digne-les-Bains or Nice.
Good to know: This steam train runs on Sundays from May to October.
Ad04 008174 BdExplore the village of Entrevaux, a true sanctuary of tranquility nestled in the heart of nature, where there are many opportunities to indulge in the joys of outdoor and cultural activities. Discover below some ideas for accommodation, restaurants and activities to make your visit to Entrevaux even more memorable.
Ad04 012182 BdKeeping with the same theme, visit the pretty medieval villages of Annot, Castellane and Colmars-les-Alpes. Each with its own history and character.
