Entrevaux

Visit Entrevaux, Provence

Entrevaux is to the south-east of the Alpes de Haute Provence department, a few kilometres east of Annot. A medieval village, Entrevaux is very picturesque, in a raised position above a bend in the river Var, and surrounded by the craggy slopes of the lower provencal mountains.

Exploring Entrevaux

The town is entered by way of a narrow ancient bridge and through a gate in the fortified walls (in all there are three of these medieval gateways in Entrevaux).

Inside the walls you will find a warren of winding streets lined by ancient houses to explore, passing shady squares and babbling fountains. Many of the houses have interesting features - be sure to amble up the narrow side streets to get a real feel for the village.

The 18th century oil mill still operates (unusual even in Provence) while another notable feature is the sundial on the Maison Fulconis which has been keeping locals informed of the time since the 16th century. You will also notice a communal bread oven - called a 'four banal' because it was once the only bakers in the village and residents had to buy their bread their at prices set by the local gentry.

You will reach the small Entrevaux 'Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l'assomption' at the end of the town - still referred to as a cathedral although the 17th century church lost the official role in 1790. Pass through the carved stone entrance to see the ornate choir inside, and the 18th century organ.

After exploring the village head for the 11th century citadelle at Entrevaux that stands high on a rocky outcrop above the village. The citadelle (fortified by Vauban in the 17th century) is reached by a steep (and hot!) path that climbs up the edge of the rock. The views back down to the village from the citadel make the climb worthwhile.

Back down in the village, Entrevaux also has a very unusual small museum dedicated to mopeds and small motorbikes, with the exhibits dating back as far as the 1920's.

In the vicinity

One curious sight known as the 'elephants' can be seen if you follow the RN202 out of Entrevaux. These are substantial stone bridges built to safely carry floodwater across the road and railway line and into the river below, and to avoid flooding.

A popular way to reach Entrevaux and to see more of the surrounding countryside is to take the 'Train des Pignes' - perhaps to nearby Annot (operates summer only). The village of Castellane is also nearby and merits a visit.

Suggested places to visit near Entrevaux, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Colmars-les-Alpes 30km; Bargeme 31km; Le Bar-sur-Loup 31km; Mercantour National Park 33km; Tourrettes-sur-Loup 33km; Saint-Cezaire-sur-Siagne 33km; Gorges du Verdon 33km; Grasse 34km; Opio 34km; Vence 35km; Callian 37km; Montauroux 37km; Tourrettes 37km; Fayence 37km; Seillans 37km; Saint-Paul-de-Vence 38km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Entrevaux

Entrevaux tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Lac de Castillon - site of natural beauty (23km) : Le Vallon du Brec - remarkable garden (25km) : Arboretum Marcel Kroenlein - remarkable garden (27km) : Grottes de Saint-Cezaire - site of natural beauty (32km) : Jardin de la Villa Fort de France - remarkable garden (33km) : Lac d'Allos - site of natural beauty (33km) : Baou de Saint-Jeannet - site of natural beauty (34km) : Col de la Cayolle - site of natural beauty (35km) :

French version: see Entrevaux (Francais)