Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur Chateaux and Castles
The region boasts a prestigious past and many ancient buidings are still there awaiting your visit. There are chateaux but abbeys as well. Here is a selection of the best places to see.- Toulon harbour Toulon's history is foremost based on its harbour and military activities. The town thus developed thanks to its arsenal since the Navy built up its fleet. In the XVIth century Colbert decided Toulon would become a war port. This later led to the destruction of a part of the city , due to the Second World War. Legacies from the past are still numerous: the Tour Royale (XVIth c.) with a naval museum, the Napoléon Fort (a square reinforced fort and blockhouse), the Saint-Louis Fort (XVIIIth c.), defensive structure of the harbour,...
- Citadel of Saint-Tropez It does protect the gulf and dominates the town. Its fortifications facing the sea, it was erected in the 16th century. Today the citadel nestles a naval museum and during Summer prestigious musical festivals are held there. The top of the building boasts a gorgeous view on the gulf. This monument is little-known by tourists but is really worth a visit.
- Château d'If This castle was fortified by Francois I, and then converted into a state prison in 1624. Alexandre Dumas used to talk about it in its novels like in "The Count of Monte Cristo" for instance; the building is therefore famous. You have to take a boat to visit it but it is definitely a pleasant 15-minute crossing.
Useful contacts: Toulon Tourism Office: www.toulontourisme.com, www.decouverte-paca.fr/us/