Châteaurenard

Last update on Mar 17, 2026

Between Saint Remy de Provence (11 km to the south) and Avignon (10 km).

Discover the beautiful village of Châteaurenard in the Alpilles

Châteaurenard is a charming town in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, located about 15 kilometers south of Avignon, in the heart of Provence.

It is a small, intimate town, ideal for a family getaway, a romantic weekend, or a Provençal vacation away from the hustle and bustle of major tourist sites. The Griffon Hill overlooks the town center. At the summit, the 12th- and 15th-century feudal castle—a former fortress of the Counts of Provence and a listed historic monument—offers breathtaking views of the Alpilles, Mont Ventoux, and the Rhône Valley. This major attraction is the perfect starting point for exploring the history of the town and its surroundings.

Châteaurenard is also a land of exceptional gastronomy and local produce. Its market, designated of national interest, handles nearly 300,000 tons of fruits and vegetables annually, ranking first in Europe. Every Sunday morning, the weekly market on Cours Carnot brings together local producers and visitors to enjoy Provençal regional products.

A magnificent medieval castle

Châteaurenard was once a strategic defensive stronghold designed to ward off enemy attacks and watch over the Durance Valley. A few remnants of its feudal era have been preserved; today, two towers of its former castle remain.

Built in 1170 by Lord Reynardus, it gave its name to the village: Castel Reynard, which later became Castel Renard, and then Châteaurenard. The castle underwent several renovations and alterations over the centuries; notably, in 1420, a second floor was added to the castle, explaining the blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Many famous figures stayed at the castle: Louis XIV, Queen Jeanne, and Catherine de Medici are among the best known, as well as Pope Benedict XIII (the last Pope of Avignon). Unfortunately, during the French Revolution, the castle was destroyed by the villagers; only the two towers visible today were spared.

From the castle esplanade and the Griffon Tower, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Montagnette, Avignon, the Ventoux, and the Alpilles. The castle features four themed rooms: the Middle Ages, the Lapidary, and the 17th and 18th centuries. During the summer, you can also visit the Museum of Old Farm Tools in Châteaurenard.

The Châteaurenard market

Châteaurenard’s main economic activity is its market of national importance, open 24 hours a day, which handles nearly 300,000 tons of fruits and vegetables sold annually (ranking first in Europe). Trading takes place daily, mainly from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., but there’s no need to get up early and come with your little basket… here, melons, tomatoes, cauliflowers, lettuce, apples, and other early produce are sold by the pallet and truckload! However, you’ll find all kinds of local produce at the farmers’ market, held every Saturday morning from April to October, where farmers sell directly to consumers.

Local specialties

Finally, don’t leave Châteaurenard without trying the local specialties: Frigolet liqueur (herbal liqueur) and its related products, such as Frigoleïo (grape seeds coated in marzipan and infused with herbal liqueur), ice cream, thistle pastries, and pastries by Hawecker, winner of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France award.

What to see

Church of St Denis.
Feudal castle built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
Museum of Agricultural Implements.

Things to do

Market on Sunday mornings (Cours Carnot).
Frigolet liqueur distillery.
Waymarked walks - fitness trail.
Horse riding and mountain biking.
Riding centre. Pony club. Tennis.
Heated open-air swimming pool. Cinema. Discos.
Summer events:
Manades and Courses camarguaises (courses with bulls, horses and calves).
Festival of St Eloi: 1st weekend in July.
Madeleine Festival: 1st weekend in August.
Festival of St Omer: 3rd weekend in September.

Bed and breakfast

Le Mas des Fontaines

Châteaurenard

A lovely, quiet bed-and-breakfast in Châteaurenard, set on a charming estate. Comfortable rooms, a beautiful pool, welcoming hosts, and an excellent breakfast. You’re going to love it!

Visit website

Accommodation

Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Campsite.

Your questions about châteaurenard

We’ve received several questions about the village. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions:

What to do in Châteaurenard?

The feudal castle perched on Griffon Hill is the first place of interest to visit. The fortress, classified as a historic monument, offers guided tours of six restored rooms, with panoramic views of the Alpilles, Mont Ventoux, and the Rhône Valley. In the town center, the Museum of Agricultural Tools and Traditions features a collection of farming tools, some dating back to the 19th century; it is open from April to September. For outdoor activities, the area offers horseback riding, mountain biking, fitness trails, and horse-drawn carriage rides. The Alpilles are about a 20-minute drive away. The Saturday morning farmers' market and the Frigolet distillery, which offers free tours, round out Châteaurenard's tourist attractions.

Where to stay on vacation in Châteaurenard?

Accommodations in Châteaurenard cater to all types of vacationers. Among hotels, the Auberge de Noves, the Hotel Akena City, and the Hotel Restaurant le Central are among the most popular. For a more authentic atmosphere, the Mas des Fontaines offers a bed-and-breakfast stay on a large estate with a pool, a pétanque court, and homemade breakfasts, less than 9 km from the Avignon TGV station. Vacation rentals are also plentiful: homes with private pools, air-conditioned villas, and downtown apartments cater to both families and couples. The town also has a campground. Thanks to its central location between Avignon and the Alpilles, Châteaurenard remains much cheaper than Avignon during peak season.

What are the tourist attractions?

Attractions in Châteaurenard revolve around a rich and vibrant historical heritage. The feudal castle on Griffon Hill is the main site: six restored rooms trace medieval history, including one dedicated to Pope Benedict XIII. The castle garden features playgrounds for children and a snack bar open from mid-May to mid-September. The Golden Virgin, an 1,860-kg statue erected in 1867 at the summit of Pic Chabaud, is also worth a visit. The arena, listed as a cultural heritage site, hosts Camargue bull races. For tourist sites in the Alpilles, Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence are less than thirty minutes away. The Avignon Exhibition Center is also just a 15-minute drive away.

How do I get to Châteaurenard?

By car, take the A7 highway, exit 24 (Avignon-Sud), then follow signs for Châteaurenard for about 5 km. Free parking is available in the town center and at the foot of the castle. The Avignon TGV station is about fifteen kilometers away, a journey of less than fifteen minutes. A TER station on the Avignon-Marseille line also serves the town. For trips from Châteaurenard to nearby sites, allow 20 minutes for Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, 30 minutes for Arles, and 45 minutes for the Pont du Gard. Its proximity to Avignon and easy access make it an ideal base for exploring all of Provence without a car on a daily basis.

What are the local specialties?

Châteaurenard's cuisine is rooted in an exceptional market-gardening region. The fruits and vegetables grown on these lands irrigated by the Durance River supply markets throughout Provence. The Sunday morning market and the Saturday farmers' market at the MIN are the places to go for local products straight from the source. Provençal cuisine is authentically expressed here: aioli, market vegetables, and regional specialties feature on the menus of the town's restaurants.

The must-try specialty remains Frigolet liqueur, produced since 1865 from some thirty plants according to a secret recipe. Le Cellier du Castel offers a fine selection of local wines to round out your exploration of the region. Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health; please drink responsibly.

Practical information about Châteaurenard

The town's official website features news, administrative procedures, the calendar of events, and municipal services. The postal code for Châteaurenard is 13160. The Terre de Provence intermunicipal tourist office covers Châteaurenard and the neighboring towns: Graveson, Eyragues, Noves, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It provides maps of the area, practical information, and a calendar of events. For any administrative matters, the town hall can be reached at 04 90 24 35 35. The public parking lots closest to the center are Allée Marcel Jullian and the Voltaire underground parking garage. Free parking is also available at the foot of the castle.

What events are there in Châteaurenard?

Châteaurenard's calendar of events is one of the busiest in Provence for a town of this size. Key dates include the first Sunday in July for the Saint-Éloi festival, the first Sunday in August for the Madeleine festival, and the second Sunday in September for the final of the Trophée des Maraîchers. The Saint-Éloi festival has been held since the 15th century: a rowing cart pulled by more than sixty draft horses, Camargue-style bullfights, a carnival, and bodégas bring the town to life for several days. The Feast of Our Lady of the Madone in August is unique in France: its secular and republican float, decorated with 3,000 red gladioli and topped with a bust of Marianne, parades to the tune of "La Marseillaise." At the end of the year, the great All Saints' Day fair and the Christmas market, featuring the santons fair, extend the cultural events into December.