Entrevaux: One Of The Most Beautiful Villages In France In Haute Provence.
Fortified by Vauban under the reign of Louis XIV, Entrevaux is one of the most picturesque villages in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This well-preserved medieval village is classified as "Villages and Towns of Character" and holds the label "Flowered Towns and Villages". In September 2023, it joined the very exclusive club of the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
Where is Entrevaux located?
Built on a rocky spur, Entrevaux overlooks the Var River in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It is located at the border of the Alpes-Maritimes department and halfway between Nice and Digne on the Chemins de Fer de Provence railway line.
Formerly a military stronghold, the village is famous for its citadel, which earns it the title of "cité Vauban".
You can access it via the national road 202 or by the Pignes train connecting Nice to Dignes-les-Bains. The GR4 long-distance hiking trail also crosses the municipality.
What is the story of Entrevaux?
It was in the 10th century that the city was built on the left bank of the Var River and took the name of Entrevaux (because of its location on a rocky spur between the valleys). It was only attached to the kingdom of France at the end of the 15th century.
During the Italian wars between Francis I and Charles V, the city revolted against its Spanish governor and gave itself to the king of France. In 1541, Francis I declared Entrevaux a "Royal City", directly dependent on the king and exempt from all taxes, loans, services, and duties.
Starting in 1624, Richelieu decided to complete and strengthen the fortifications erected in the 16th century.
This consolidation continued under the reign of Louis XIV: in 1691, Niquet, the engineer of the fortifications of Provence, reinforced the gates. On the advice of Vauban, he built a "hornwork" at the Porte d'Italie located behind the cathedral.
From this glorious past, the village has preserved an exceptional heritage. To showcase this heritage, the municipality organizes medieval festivals every year on the first weekend of August.
What to visit in Entrevaux?
Access to the historic city is through the Royal Gate and its imposing drawbridge. With its narrow and tall houses, small squares, fountains, and terraced gardens, Entrevaux is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
During your stay, don't miss visiting:
- The Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral, built between 1610 and 1627, is distinguished by its crenelated bell tower. It has a baroque interior decoration.
- The citadel and fortifications (classified as historical monuments).
- The Olive Oil Mill, which is the only one still in operation in the department.
- The Powder Museum: Located in the 17th-century powder magazine, it traces the military history of this fortified place, which was modified and enlarged by Vauban.
- The Motorcycle Museum: This is a friendly free museum that will delight vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.
Thanks to its rich historical heritage, Entrevaux received the label "Plus beau village de France" (Most Beautiful Village of France) in September 2023, along with the village of Saorge in the Alpes-Maritimes.
