carte Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban
Tourist map and places to visit in Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban
Here is our interactive map of Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, showing its main places of interest. Located on the right bank of the Durance River, this town of 5,500 inhabitants offers a rich and varied heritage. The 16th-century castle, with its staircase classified as a Historic Monument, is the historic heart of your visit.
The Saint-Jean Chapel, perched at an altitude of 665 meters, offers an exceptional panorama of the valley. You can easily find your way around using our detailed map and plan your route according to your interests.
How long does it take to visit Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban?
Half a day is enough to see the village's main attractions. A visit to the Chapelle Saint-Jean takes 1.5 hours from the tourist office, while the castle and its grounds can be visited in an hour.
For a complete tour including a walk in the castle grounds and local shops, allow a full day. The Château-Arnoux lake and its 9-kilometer trail will take an additional 2 to 3 hours if you want to do the full loop.
Hiking enthusiasts can extend their stay by several days. The mountain biking center offers 30 trails covering 600 kilometers of marked trails to explore the surrounding area.
Where can I download a map of Château-Arnoux in PDF format?
You can download the map of Château-Arnoux directly from this page. Click on the “Download map” button above our interactive map. This detailed map will help you find your way around easily.
The tourist office also provides a free booklet for the park's botanical discovery trail. These practical documents make it easier for you to get around and enrich your visit with detailed information about each site.
The maps are regularly updated and include the main points of interest, parking lots, and marked trails. They are also available in digital format on your smartphone.
Where is the tourist office located?
The Val de Durance tourist office is located at Avenue de la Bastide, 04160 Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban. It is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
From July 1 to August 31, opening hours are extended from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. You can contact them on +33 (0)4 92 64 02 64 for further information.
The office also runs a mountain bike center with mechanical and electric bike rentals. You will find all the information you need to organize your stay and discover the region's tourist activities.
What are the must-see places?
The 16th-century castle
The Château-Arnoux castle, built between 1510 and 1515, now houses the town hall. Its spiral staircase, classified as a Historic Monument, consists of 84 steps carved from a single stone and is decorated with sculptures representing mythological figures. Visits are available on request at the town hall reception during opening hours.
The park, classified as a “natural site and monument,” has been converted into an arboretum. Oak trees as old as the castle and rare species planted in the 18th century give it a truly unique character.
Saint-Jean Chapel
Saint-Jean Chapel (1667-1668) stands at an altitude of 665 meters and offers a superb view. The contemporary furnishings and stained glass windows were created by the world-renowned artist Bernar Venet. The chapel is open on Wednesdays in July and August from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
A 1.5-hour loop trail marked with signs leads there from the tourist office. This accessible hike offers panoramic views of the Durance Valley and the Alps.
The lake and bird sanctuary
The Château-Arnoux lake covers approximately 200 hectares and is home to a variety of habitats that are favorable to many species. The 9-kilometer “lake tour” trail allows visitors to observe some 180 species of birds.
This bird sanctuary covers Château-Arnoux and four neighboring municipalities. Nature and birdwatching enthusiasts will find it an exceptional observation site all year round.
How to get to Château-Arnoux?
By train
The Château-Arnoux-St-Auban train station is located on Place de la Gare. From Marseille, the Regional Express Train to Briançon serves this station. Ticket sales are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The nearest ticket office is at the Sisteron train station. A TER ticket vending machine is available on site.
By car
To get to Château-Arnoux by road, take the A51 from Marseille or the D1075 from Grenoble. The village is located on the Route Napoléon, which connects Golfe Juan to Grenoble.
From Aix-en-Provence, allow about 1.5 hours via the A51. The highway exit is close to the town center, making it easy to reach your accommodation.
By bus
The ZOU network's Regional Express Lines connect all the towns in the department via Digne-les-Bains. There is a direct bus from Aix-en-Provence, with two services per day.
What are the best hotels in Château-Arnoux?
La Bonne Étape, Relais & Châteaux, housed in a former 18th-century coaching inn, offers 18 rooms and suites with views of the gardens or mountains. This hotel, which has been Michelin-starred since 1964, has been run by the Gleize family for four generations. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
L'Hôtel du Lac is located in the heart of the Provençal countryside and offers excellent value for money. Guests appreciate its warm welcome, varied breakfast with fresh produce, and proximity to local restaurants. L'Oustaou also offers comfortable rooms with an on-site restaurant, particularly appreciated for its authentic charm and local cuisine. These quality accommodations guarantee a successful stay in this authentic Provençal destination.
Also read to prepare for your stay:
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
L'Escale (2km), Volonne (5km), Montfort (6km) and Les Mées (6km).