Entrevaux
Last update on
Aug 19, 2026
On the N202, 42km north-east of Castellane.
Discover the beautiful village of Entrevaux in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Entrevaux is one of the villages in Haute-Provence that has managed to retain its charm and character. The village has also been awarded the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” designation.
Where to stay
A fortified medieval town
The medieval town of Entrevaux is built on a rocky outcrop, with the Var River flowing at its feet and encircling its fortifications.
Entrevaux was fortified by Vauban on the orders of Louis XIV in 1683; access to the citadel is provided in a unique way via nine zigzagging ramps.
A village full of charm
The village retains an exceptional heritage from its glorious past, as evidenced by its civil architecture.
Tall, narrow houses, small squares, and ancient fountains—all set amidst splendid landscapes of olive groves and terraced gardens!
Three Gates Leading into the Town
Entrevaux has three gates: the Royal Gate to the south, the Gate of France to the west, and the Gate of Italy or Savoy to the east.
You’ll arrive through the first one. It became the main entrance in 1658, as its arched bridge was then the only direct access from the right bank of the Var. Two towers flank it, featuring machicolations and a drawbridge spanning the river.
The drawbridge lowers into a recess cut into the vault—a rare feature—and was still raised every evening. The Porte d’Italie, long the weak point of the ramparts, was powerfully fortified by Vauban. The cathedral’s crenellated bell tower defended it.
Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral
Built between 1604 and 1667, Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral combines Provençal Gothic architecture with a Baroque choir and houses an 18th-century organ as well as several listed works of art.
Stop on the Train des Pignes
Entrevaux is a stop on the Train des Pignes, the Chemins de Fer de Provence line that connects Nice to Digne-les-Bains over a distance of 151 kilometers, supplemented during the season by a steam train departing from Puget-Théniers.
What to see
****In the citadel :
Medieval gardens. Gothic cathedral.
Crenelated bell tower (unique in Provence).
Medieval fortified castle.
All the fortifications of the citadel.
Motorcycle museum.
Outside the walls:
Chapelle St. Jean.
Working oil mill.
Things to do
Activity center with rafting,climbing, mountain biking.
Kayaking, canyoning, hang gliding, paragliding.
Painting and pottery exhibitions.
Airbnb
Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.
Campsites
On the doorstep of the Verdon & Mercantour parks, campsite with
private lake, beach, swimming, snack & free access to kayaks. Rafting
on-site.15 min walk from Entrevaux village. Electricity & Wifi on every pitch
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Accommodation
Hotel.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Campsite.
Your questions about Entrevaux
You've sent us several questions about this magnificent fortified town. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What are the best things to do in Entrevaux?
Visiting Entrevaux is done on foot and takes about half a day. Start with the village itself and its narrow streets, then climb to the Vauban fortress along the nine zigzagging ramps. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the ascent and 512 feet of elevation gain. Several hiking trails cross the terraced olive groves around the village. An easy walk follows the Var river for 2.5 miles round trip. The tourist office can point you toward the activities that best suit your stay.
How do you get to Entrevaux?
Entrevaux sits in the Var valley, about an hour and fifteen minutes from Nice via the RN202. Its location makes it a natural stop between the French Riviera and Digne-les-Bains. The Chemins de Fer de Provence railway serves the village with the Train des Pignes, and the station is only steps from the Porte Royale. A large free parking lot sits near the station, since the one in the center fills up quickly. A map and village plan are available at the tourist information point. Walking in across the drawbridge drops you straight into the Middle Ages.
Which historic sites should you visit in Entrevaux?
The citadel of Entrevaux towers over the village from its rocky spur. This fortress, strengthened by Vauban, holds the keep, the underground passages, the dungeons and the Powder Magazine museum. The cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, built between 1604 and 1667, combines Provençal Gothic architecture with a Baroque interior. The heritage continues with the ramparts, the communal bread oven, the clock tower and the bishop's palace. The chapel of Saint-Jean du Désert can be reached on the GR4 trail, 7.5 miles away. The Motorcycle Museum rounds out this history with a collection of more than a hundred vintage machines.
Where should you stay in Entrevaux?
Accommodations in Entrevaux are small-scale and family-run. The village has no hotel inside the walls, but bed and breakfasts and privately owned vacation rentals welcome visitors. A gîte or a village house puts you right next to the ramparts. The nearest hotels are in Puget-Théniers and Annot, a few minutes away by car. Local tourism here favors personal hospitality over large properties. Book early in summer, as availability disappears fast.
What are the local specialties in Entrevaux?
The food scene in Entrevaux centers on one specialty that carries the village name: secca de bœuf, a salted and air-dried beef. It is served in thin slices, as carpaccio or on a charcuterie board. The terraced olive groves produce a local olive oil that visitors appreciate. Local producers also sell honey, goat cheese and regional preserves. On the wine side, the IGP Alpes-de-Haute-Provence bottles pair well with these products. Village shops sell all of these specialties directly.
When is the best time to visit Entrevaux?
Spring and early fall offer the best conditions for a visit. The climb to the citadel gets punishing in midsummer, so go in the morning. October is a beautiful season here, with soft light, golden olive groves and a quiet village. The summer calendar holds most of the events, including the citadel illumination in mid-August. Medieval festivals bring the village to life in odd-numbered years, with a market, an encampment and tournaments. Check the dates with the tourist office before planning your visit.
What are the prettiest villages near Entrevaux?
Entrevaux has been listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France since 2023. Colmars-les-Alpes, another town fortified by Vauban, joined the network in 2025. The Val de Chalvagne and its hamlets offer a quieter side of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Annot with its sandstone formations and Puget-Théniers with its Romanesque heritage can both be visited in the same day. Digne-les-Bains marks the end of the Train des Pignes line, about two hours away. This valley lends itself perfectly to traveling from village to village.
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