Top 8 most beautiful castles and palaces in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur2026 ranking

It is fascinating to think that the city of Avignon was, once upon a time, just as important as the Vatican. And you can easily imagine this sumptuous Gothic palace as a home for Popes! There is a sense of grandeur emanating from it that truly moves the visitor. A little personal recommendation: if you ever have the chance to see a show in the main courtyard of the Palace of the Popes during the Festival d'Avignon, do not hesitate! It is an unforgettable and timeless experience...

I was simply impressed by the beauty of its architecture! The large fountain, statues, and colonnades are enhanced by the Provencal sun. You can also visit the Museum of Fine Arts, which really rounds out a visit to the site.

I went during the off-season to avoid the crowds. I loved discovering this place. The architecture of the monument is very impressive, and you really need to take the time to see the interior. I will always remember the magnificent Clementine Chapel and the sublime frescoes in the Stag Room. Thanks to the Histopad, I was easily transported back to the 14th century and I learned quite a lot about the power of the papacy during that time. A must-see in Avignon.

The Palais des Papes is clearly a must-see when visiting Avignon. The monument is impressive, and I especially liked the views over the city and the Rhône. On the other hand, if you come during the Festival d’Avignon in the summer, there are tons of people. It is better to choose another time to enjoy the visit more peacefully. Worth seeing

There are only ruins left at the Château des Baux-de-Provence, but visiting them is still impressive because you get to enjoy an incredible view of the Alpilles. I invite you to go there for this panorama alone. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Provence (and this region is packed with magnificent sites).

The Palace of the Popes in Avignon really impressed me with its size. Inside, the Gothic-style rooms make you imagine the life of the popes in the 14th century. I especially liked the main courtyard and the grand chapel. From the ramparts, the view over the Rhone and the city of Avignon is superb, even if the crowds can be a bit annoying when you are trying to fully enjoy the visit.

I love The Count of Monte Cristo, I am an absolute fan! During one of my trips to Marseille, I naturally decided to go visit the Château d'If. It is funny, because you do not necessarily imagine the place that way when you read the novel by Alexandre Dumas. Edmond Dantes' cell was even "reproduced" following the success of the book. Very nice, even if it is difficult to live up to the expectations.

Ready, set, go! Here you are, storming the slopes of the castle. It is a tough climb, but it is worth the effort! I really like getting to this iconic spot in town by taking the steep little alleyways of old Hyères. Once at the top, you will see some beautiful ruins, the remains of the castle, although the site is unfortunately not very well set up for visitors. The highlight is definitely the magical view that takes in the peninsula and the islands. It is a must-see!

I love this place, right in the middle of the city, super close to the Canebière. On top of being built in a kind of baroque style, it houses several museums, the Fine Arts museum and the Natural History museum, just like that! A must-visit, therefore, to chill out in the garden of the same name and see some beautiful things.

Don't expect to see an actual castle, because there isn't much left of the monument besides pieces of walls and towers. However, for me, the site is still a must-see. To hike up there, plan on wearing good shoes because it's a steep climb! Once you're at the top, the view over the old town of Hyères is absolutely magical. I recommend heading back down toward the beautiful Parc Sainte-Claire, just below, which features some impressive landscaped terraces.